Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, Vandana Mohit, is calling for the immediate resignation of the board of the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Minister says serious financial mismanagement and governance failures have left the institution facing millions of dollars in outstanding liabilities.
Danielle John has the story.
Minister Mohit said the Children’s Authority is grappling with liabilities estimated at approximately 77 million dollars, with some debts dating back as far as 2020.
The Minister said the situation points to prolonged financial mismanagement.
Minister Mohit revealed that millions of dollars are owed to suppliers providing essential services, including security and janitorial support.
She added that staff gratuity payments and employee health insurance are also among the outstanding obligations.
The Minister also raised concerns about what she described as frivolous spending, despite the Authority’s financial challenges.
She further raised alarm over statutory deductions taken from employees that were reportedly not remitted to the Board of Inland Revenue and the National Insurance Board of Trinidad and Tobago.
She says this could expose the Authority and the State to potential legal consequences.
Minister Mohit reassured that the Government remains committed to strengthening the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, adding that the protection of the country’s most vulnerable children must remain a national priority.