Fixin T&T: Gov’t must stop Chaguaramas projects immediately pending forensic investigation

The following is a press release from civic watch group, Fixin’ T&T:

FIXIN’ T&T calls on Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to order an immediate halt to all work on the numerous contentious projects in Chaguaramas pending the outcome of a forensic investigation. The determinations of the May 2016 Ernst & Young report coupled with that of the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) dated 9 June 2016 in which leases were deemed illegal as opined by Senior Counsel Elton Prescott demands nothing less.

Photo: Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley. (Courtesy Caribbean News Service)
Photo: Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.
(Courtesy Caribbean News Service)

We are deeply troubled and angered by revelations of documents signed on 6 September 2015, one day before the general elections, and the seemingly obscene arrangements entered into by the Danny Solomon led CDA board.

We insist that:

1.  All work on the projects in question must be immediately stopped.

2.  A forensic investigation be launched into the granting of all leases and other business in Chaguaramas from 2010 – 2015.

3.  The Ernst & Young report of May 2016 must be handed over to the Commissioner of Police, Integrity Commission and Director of Public Prosecutions.

4.  The CDA report of June 2016 must be handed over to the Commissioner of Police, Integrity Commission and Director of Public Prosecutions.

We condemn in the strongest possible manner, and question the motives behind, the decision of Minister Camille Robinson-Regis to visit Chaguaramas to tour these projects in the face of the aforementioned reports. This was exacerbated by her public statements of comfort to said lessees which followed.

Photo: Planning Minister Camille Robinson-Regis. (Courtesy PNM)
Photo: Planning Minister Camille Robinson-Regis.
(Courtesy PNM)

Former CDA Chairman Anthony Pierre referred to statements and conversations that weighed in his short sighted issuance of two letters of comfort. Mr Pierre must tell the public with whom he had those conversations, their nature and whether he was advised, influenced or instructed to write same.

The discussions on Chaguaramas becoming a heritage area must now be continued and that matter formalised as it represents an important aspect of our patrimony. FIXIN’ T&T will not sit idly by and allow it to be gifted away.

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15 comments

  1. We do not need the forensic audit, people here doh get arrested for white collar crime in this country, much less convicted. We don’t have money to make crooked lawyers rich

  2. I am so glad to see somebody standing up for something.

  3. These people pump millions into both parties and on election day check and see if their fingers are stained . Its a circle , we pay taxes . Those monies are given to business people who in turn give political parties . The circle continues . Our tax dollars are being used to surpress us not assist us . Remember that !

  4. These projects, the associated rents, lack of tenders and any valuations is beyond obscene!!!!

  5. Strange that when its was being done last two years and the Guava farmers where protesting. I can’t remember Fixin T&T protesting or questioning the development of the area. I could be wrong, but why you now talking about it why not a year ago or two years ago when the contracts came up

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