2 weeks ago
3
Akash Samaroo
Senior Reporter
Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath has described High Court Judge Margaret Mohammed’s referral of the alleged conduct of former rural development and local government minister Faris Al-Rawi to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) as “scandalous,” “deeply troubling” and “damning in itself.”
Justice Mohammed yesterday asked the DPP to examine the circumstances surrounding the three-year renewal of more than 300 Community-based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) contracts as she stayed a case brought by one of the affected contractors against the State company.
Speaking at yesterday’s post-Cabinet news briefing hours later, Padarath, who had previously called for a probe, declared: “The Government is vindicated in its position as it relates to the administrative issues we have identified surrounding CEPEP.
“What is deeply disturbing, alarming and some would say even shocking would have been the utterances of Madam Justice Margaret Mohammed in forwarding these matters to the Director of Public Prosecutions.”
He went on to describe the ruling as “historic.”
The United National Congress Government, upon taking office, terminated over 300 contracts, stating that no Cabinet approval had been granted for their extensions. CEPEP’s legal team has alleged that the former board was “deceived” by a “fraudulent misrepresentation” that such approval existed.
Padarath referenced a CEPEP media release pledging to “leave no stone unturned” and seek legal advice to uncover the truth—a stance he said he fully endorses.
“If the company was deceived into taking this decision, then there will be legal consequences, and the chips will fall where they must. This afternoon, I’m pleased to say that I lend my full support,” he said.
Padarath confirmed that CEPEP will co-operate with the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Fraud Squad, and other authorities.
“We must get to the bottom of who misled the management of CEPEP with respect to cabinet approval. 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 this matter must go before the Director of Public Prosecutions,” he said, adding that he could not recall “a bigger scandal in recent times.”
Asked whether the matter could go as far as the Privy Council if appealed, Padarath replied: “Most definitely. As a crime prevention measure and in dismantling criminal elements that use government contracts to fund illegal activity… most definitely this is a matter we’ll see to the end.”
He stressed that the legal action would not derail CEPEP’s restructuring plans.
“I don’t see that impacting our restructuring plan going forward. There will be areas where the CEPEP board and management will have to co-operate with the authorities, and that is why I made specific reference to pursuing this with the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Fraud Squad. Most definitely, we will cooperate where we need to.”
English (US) ·