By Chantalé Fletcher
THE Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) is calling for a forensic audit into the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT).
Secretary General of CWU Clyde Elder made this call in a Facebook live on Thursday.
The union has expressed concerns about statements made by chairman of National Enterprise Limited Ingrid Lashley on June 25 as part of NEL’s summary audited financial results for the year ended March 31.
Elder quoted Lashley as saying, “While the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) has experienced 35% reduction in value, the company has embarked on another reorganisation exercise, that when successfully implemented, is expected to yield significant profits going forward, ”
He said that since Lashley’s statement, the union has reached out to TSTT for clarification which led to a virtual meeting led by General Manager Shared Services Gerard Cooper to discuss the situation.
However, Elder stated that Cooper denied that there are any plans by TSTT to reorganise and restructure the company.
Elder added that because of claims of a reduction in value at TSTT, the union is now “demanding that a forensic audit be conducted into the financial affairs of TSTT immediately.”
He said, “What is the plan of the Government for TSTT? I suspect, and I hope I am wrong, but I suspect it is to ensure that it is mashed up and given to their friends, families, financiers, and cronies at the peril of TSTT and to the advantage of Amplia, I suspect that. I hope I am wrong, I really hope I am wrong, but the evidence suggests that the plan is to mash up TSTT and promote AMPLIA.”
The secretary general said he has written Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales about the situation but have not received a response from either.
