The United National Congress (UNC) says it has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request on the cost of the distribution of Ministry of Health-branded water bottles in the Aranguez/St Joseph constituency of Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh.

The UNC earlier condemned what it called an “apparent misuse of public funds for political campaigning”, which it said had occurred within the constituency after ministry-branded water bottles and “campaign-style” cards featuring the minister had allegedly been distributed to residents.

Deyalsingh on Tuesday posted a statement to his social media platform in which he claimed to have written to all 41 members of Parliament to collect bottles to be given to constituents as part of a ministry-led drive to encourage the population to lead a healthy lifestyle.