Concerns have been raised about a multi-million US dollar financing arrangement tied to the Port of Spain Waterfront, following findings in the 2025 Auditor General’s Report on the Public Accounts of T&T, which was laid in the Parliament on Friday.
According to Auditor General Jaiwantie Ramdass, a US 500 million dollar loan was secured by Port of Spain Waterfront Development Limited through UMB Bank N.A., with repayment linked to a 30-year sublease involving the Office of the President.
The 2025 report notes that while the loan is not recorded as Government debt, it is being repaid using public funds, creating what is described as an indirect financial obligation and potential risk to transparency.
However, the Office of the President has strongly rejected claims circulating on social media suggesting wrongdoing.
In a statement on Saturday, the Office said any attempt to portray President, Christine Kangaloo or the Presidency as responsible for the transaction is “wholly improper,” emphasizing that the President acts only in accordance with the Constitution and on the advice of Cabinet or relevant ministers.
The Office says it will issue further statements, if necessary, as more facts emerge.