The People’s National Movement (PNM) has urged Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to “look in the mirror” before ­making ­accusations and confront the “rot” within her own ranks.

Persad-Bissessar yesterday issued a statement accusing the Opposition PNM of having ties to the local drug mafia, alleging that it finances the party’s operations and, as a result, benefits from its protection.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came as she pushed back against criticism over the visit of US Navy warship USS Gravely to Trinidad and Tobago. The PNM fired back, describing her comments as defamatory and reckless.