MINISTER of Public Utilities Barry Padarath says $5million is needed to make the Office of the Prime Minister at Whitehall to be useable.
Padarath told AZP News Wednesday that the $5 million comes after $32 million was already spent to restore the building between 2019 and 2020.
He said, “Even former minister (of public administration) Alyson West in her press release yesterday (Tuesday) came out and said that a further $5 million has to be expended to make that place workable and functional. I think that in itself really, should have been the news, that the former minister admits that $5 million having spent $32 million dollars to restore Whitehall in 2019-2020.”
Padarath, who is also Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, added, “Five years later, the country, through the taxpayers, has to fork out another $5million dollars to make that place functional, and I think that is an indictment on the past administration.” He described the situation as “waste, mismanagement and corruption.”
He said the information on the Whitehall mould issue was not based on his or parliamentary secretary’s observation but on details provided by the permanent secretary, who was appointed by the prime minister and is also head of the public service.
He said, “The former minister (West) did not dismiss any concerns articulated by the permanent secretary to the parliamentary secretary and myself as Minister and the Office of the Prime Minister. The former minister actually supported and admitted that there are challenges at Whitehall.”
Padarath said that the building currently houses the Office of the Prime Minister, the permanent secretary, and a few staff, approximately ten people in total. There are no offices for heads of department, divisions, support staff and the Cabinet Secretariat.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is working from her Philipine home.
He stated that the permanent secretary informed him that restoration work cannot begin unless the prime minister vacates the premises. Which means temporary relocation is required for both the prime minister and the permanent secretary, he said.
Asked if a report was filed, Padarath confirmed that the permanent secretary had compiled one, which allowed her to brief him on the situation.
On the issue of whether the Ministry of Gender Affairs will return under the Office of the Prime Minister, Padarath explained that the Prime Minister is actively reviewing the schedules of ministries to determine the best alignment.
He said, “Within the next day or two, I expect that we will be able to align in terms of best fit with ministers and ministries so that the schedules will reflect where some of these areas may be placed by the Honorable Prime Minister.”
Mould is a type of fungus that grows in damp, humid environments and can pose serious health risks to people working or living in affected buildings.
Exposure to mould can lead to respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, sinus congestion, throat irritation, and in severe cases, asthma attacks. Individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable. Prolonged exposure can also cause skin irritation and eye discomfort.
Mould growth is typically caused by excess moisture, often due to water leaks, poor ventilation, high humidity, or flooding. Buildings with damaged roofs, broken pipes, or inadequate drainage systems are especially at risk.
To prevent mould, proper building maintenance is essential. This includes fixing leaks quickly, improving ventilation, using dehumidifiers in damp spaces, and ensuring that buildings are well-sealed and insulated. Routine inspections and cleaning can also help stop mould before it spreads.
