Caption: Barry Padarath
By Alicia Chamely
VINDICATION is what the government is feeling after High Court Justice Margaret Mohammed ruled in favour of the Community Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) and her decision to have case documents forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), says Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath.
Padarath referenced the ruling and a statement from CEPEP during his contribution at Thursday’s post cabinet press conference held at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s.
On Thursday morning, Justice Mohammed granted a stay on a lawsuit brought against CEPEP by Eastman Enterprises Limited and, after stating she had found due cause, ordered all documents filed in the case to be handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard for his consideration.
Eastman took CEPEP to court for the termination of his contract, which had been extended by three years just days before the April 28 general election election.
In her hearing of the case and examination of the evidence, Justice Mohammed was of the opinion that CEPEP’s claims of deception and fraudulent activity having taken place under the previous administration in the extension of contracts without cabinet approval, were grounds to initiate a criminal investigation into the matter and referred all case submissions to the DPP.
Padarath said, “The government is vindicated in its position as it relates to the administration issues that we have identified surrounding CEPEP.”
He stated, “We were very clear from day one in terms of what we found, what were the challenges at the company, the advice that was proffered to us and therefore we are seeing the fruits of the challenges that were made but us standing strong in our conviction in terms of advancing the interest of the company and protecting the wellbeing of the taxpayers of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Regarding the matter being passed on to the DPP, Padarath said, “For all those who were asking when matters would be forwarded, when would matters be raised with the police and so on, I can say unequivocally, that today is the day for that and CEPEP is intent on cooperating with the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Fraud Squad and the authorities in this matter.”
Padarath said, “We must get to the bottom of who misled the management of CEPEP with respect to the issue of cabinet approval and we have set out a strong case in terms of the evidence provided to the court and today the court has ruled that they agree that this matter must go before the DPP.”
Questioned as to whether if any wrongdoing was found, would the government follow through with legal proceedings, Padarath said, “Most definitely.”
Padarath stands with CEPEP
Following Justice Mohammed’s ruling, CEPEP issued a statement, which Padarath read for the media.
CEPEP stated while they celebrate their victory in court, they have serious concerns over “the fraudulent misrepresentation made to the Board that Cabinet had granted approval to extend over 300 contracts with its Core Contractors for a period of three (3) years ending in 2029.”
CEPEP explained, “The Company’s Board of Directors was deceived into extending over 300 Contractors’ contracts, thereby exposing the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to expenditure to the tune of $1.4 billion. This decision was taken by CEPEP Board on the basis of information that was allegedly provided by ex-line Minister for CEPEP, Mr. Al-Rawi SC, to the now ex- Chairman, Mr. Joel Edwards, that Cabinet had authorised and approved the extension of all CEPEP Core contracts.”
CEPEP stated, “Only a member of the Cabinet will know if such a decision was in fact taken. CEPEP CEO, Mr. Eddy, was clear in his evidence to the Court, that Mr. Edwards confirmed that he was advised by then Minister, Mr Al-Rawi SC, that Cabinet had granted approval for the extension of these contracts. This was the basis upon which CEPEP Management and the then Board acted.”
Addressing Al-Rawi and the allegations that he pressured CEPEP CEO Keith Eddy to approve the extension of contracts, CEPEP said, “Unfortunately, Senator Al- Rawi SC, who has been very vocal about this case, did not file any evidence on this important issue as it relates to the alleged fraud perpetuated against the Company. We therefore call upon him to clear the air in the public interest.”
After reading the press release, Padarath announced, “I join my voice with CEPEP this afternoon as their line minister in calling upon the former line minister for CEPEP, now Senator Faris Al-Rawi, to clear the air in the public interest regarding this matter.”
Padarath added, “We look forward to him clearing the air on that matter, in terms of what role if there was any role as indicated by Mr Eddy.”
Only moments after the press conference and the CEPEP’s press release, the People’s National Movement (PNM) Public Relations Officer and former CEPEP line Minister Faris Al-Rawi responded in a statement.
