Caption: PNM Public Relations Officer, Faris Al Rawi
By Alicia Chamely
PEOPLE’S National Movement (PNM) Public Relations Officer Faris Al-Rawi is questioning why certain cabinet decisions and other critical material were not disclosed in the Eastman Enterprises Limited proceedings.
On Thursday, High Court Judge Margaret Mohammed ruled on litigation brought against the Community Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) by contractor Eastman Enterprises Limited, for the termination of his contract.
Justice Mohammed upon hearing the case sided with CEPEP, who argued that Eastman was in breach of his contract’s dispute resolution clause, which required Eastman to seek mediation with CEPEP before litigation.
Further, Justice Mohammed found there was sufficient evidence of fraudulent deception in the extension of contracts and therefore ordered all filed case documents to be forwarded to Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard for his discretion.
It was alleged that board members of CEPEP were falsely made to believe that the extension of contracts had been signed off by cabinet, when it in fact had not.
Responding to the outcome of the case, Al-Rawi issued a statement on Thursday evening questioning why certain pieces of evidence were withheld from Justice Mohammed.
Al-Rawi addressed the issue of cabinet approvals for CEPEP contracts saying, a 2017 Cabinet Note from the Ministry of Finance that authorised CEPEP to terminate, suspend and hire contracts was confirmed by former Finance Minister Colm Imbert.
He stated, “It is starkly relevant to note that these cabinet decisions and other critical material have NOT been disclosed in the Eastman proceedings and were therefore NOT before the Honourable Madam Justice Mohammed in her deliberation leading to the ruling today.”
Al-Rawi added, “Any proper investigation into this matter and any questions arising is welcomed. CEPEP has a continuing duty of full candour and disclosure.”
He went further to address the turbulent relationship between himself, the PNM and CEPEP’s attorney Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, whom he had previously stated had an “axe to grind” with him.
Al-Rawi said, “It is not lost upon me that the team advising CEPEP in the Edwards matter is led by Anand Ramlogan SC who is the subject of many witness statements given by me at the request of the TTPS in relation to criminal investigations and charges against him.”
He noted, “Accordingly I remain vigilant against any improper purpose which may reside in any matter where Mr. Ramlogan may be involved.”
