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.

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.

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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Fixin TT

Fixin T&T’s mission is the realization of good governance to achieve healthy, holistic, and fulfilling lifestyles for all citizens through the study, promotion, and furtherance of strong democratic institutions; sound infrastructure; integrity in public and corporate affairs; and a culture of respect by all for the laws and regulations of the country to create a safe, secure, efficient and productive Trinidad & Tobago.