By Sue-Ann Wayow
CHRISTINE Sahadeo, a former People’s National Movement (PNM) minister has been given Cabinet’s approval to be appointed as a member of the Tax Appeal Board and her appointment has caused outrage in the United National Congress (UNC) camp.
The party issued a statement on Monday stating that Government used the Covid crisis as a distraction and is calling for a reversal.
“This is nothing less than corruption of our justice system by the PNM,” the UNC stated.
However, Sahadeo told AZPNews.com that she was qualified enough for the position and she also left Government since 2007.
“My professionalism speaks for itself,” she said.
The UNC stated, “A political person should never be given the power to exercise judicial functions in our country. The independent institutions of Trinidad and Tobago should not be staffed with political partisans of the PNM, or any political party.”
Sahadeo has never practised as an attorney and was not familiar with Court or judicial procedures and was purely a political appointment, the UNC stated.
The party stated, “In addition, we have information that Sahadeo allegedly intends to keep her full-time position as senior lecturer at the UWI (University of the West Indies) as well, drawing two salaries, which is contrary to regulations. We are asking for clarification as to whether this is in fact her intention.”
Sahadeo said while she was aware of the Cabinet approval, she has not yet received her letter of appointment and she could not understand why anyone would be majorly concerned over her appointment.
“I am well qualified and I think the country would be well served by my appointment,” she said.
The senior lecturer is also an attorney-at-law, a chartered accountant and author. She served as Minister in the Ministry of Finance from 2003 to 2007.
The minimum qualifications for some-one to be a member is that he or she must have a recognised professional qualification and a minimum of ten years’ experience in the field of law, commerce, finance, industry, accounting and taxation.
The UNC asked, “Can she be trusted to be independent in such a circumstance, as a member hearing judicial appeals must be?”
