I am shocked but not surprised by the disclosure that no Cabinet approval was granted for the CEPEP Board to extend the contracts of all 336 core contractors. This decision committed the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago to a mammoth $1.4 billion dollars in expenditure until 2029 and effectively tried to handcuff CEPEP to existing contractors.
The board note, dated April 23, 2025, that was signed by CEPEP Chairman and CEO specifically stated that the Cabinet had considered and agreed to adopt this policy. The board was asked to “ratify” the implementation of this Cabinet decision. Both the Chairman and the CEO signed that note and held an emergency round-robin vote via email because they clearly believed that the Cabinet had granted the necessary approval. CEPEP CEO Keith Eddy, has provided a sworn affidavit that he was informed by the Chairman that CEPEP’s line Minister notified him about the Cabinet approval.
The former administration may have forgotten that the budget cycle is one year and the estimates must be considered by Cabinet prior to Budget presentation. The contract extensions span 3 to 4 budget cycles and therefore, it is mandatory that approval would have been required particularly for this significant expenditure. I wish to assure the people of Trinidad and Tobago that this is not a criteria that is being made up. I have received a document from the PS, Ministry of Finance, as attached, indicating that Cabinet approval would have been required.
I am now calling on the former line Minister to indicate to the national community who would have advised Mr. Edwards of the Cabinet decision. Both ex-line Minister and former Chairman Joel Edwards must clear the air on this serious matter. Who is lying and why? Who fabricated this dangerous story about Cabinet approval to influence the CEPEP Board into extending these contracts when no such approval exists?
I also call upon former CEPEP Board members Yinka Jagbir- Garcia, Michael Seales, Maurissa Smith, Wendell Williams, Brian Rock, Geeta Rampersad, Robert Paul Lee, Camille Hosein, Kirt Bernard and Thomas Sanoir to clear the air on their role and responsibility in this matter. Were they aware that there was no Cabinet approval as was stated in the board note which was presented to them for approval via round-robin? Did the Chairman advise them on who told him that Cabinet had approved the wholesale extension of these contracts? In their discharge of their responsibilities and duties, is it that no one bothered to care or to ask a question?
Did the CEPEP Board act on the basis of a fraudulent misrepresentation? Was the Board deceived and misled into thinking that there was Cabinet approval to extend the contracts when simply, it did not?
This is an act of serious political corruption and I am in the process of seeking legal advice with a view to reporting this matter to the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Fraud Squad for immediate investigation, to determine whether criminal charges for fraud and misconduct should be laid. CEPEP will also have to consider taking legal action against those responsible for perpetuating this fraud on the company and by extension the country.
Any public official, who is prepared to fabricate a lie about the Cabinet of the country granting approval, for a $1.4 Billion dollar commitment by extending all CEPEP contracts has perpetuated a serious fraud on the public’s purse. Rest assured they would be held to account and be made to feel the full weight and brunt of the law.