The government of Trinidad and Tobgo continued its Public Relations campaign Monday aimed at nullifying public opinion on the need for an independent commission of enquiry into UDeCOTT, with five Cabinet ministers meeting the press to say there's no need for such a probe.The powerful government team comprised Dr Lenny Saith, Colm Imbert, Neil Parsanlal, Emily Gaynor-Dick-Forde and Mariano Browne.
Saith told reporters the Government is working toward solutions regarding the three main contentious issues—the operations of UDeCOTT, the role of local contractors and the procurement policy of the Government. He explained that the procurement processes is taking top priority.
Dr Dick-Forde said while the UDeCOTT matter is taking prominence on the national agenda, there are other issues that must get priority, such as crime and rising food prices. She did not state the rationale for her suggestions.
The media asked Saith whether Government is taking a second look at construction companies from China and the quality of work in the construction projects they have undertaken in light of the mass destruction from last week's earthquake in China.
Saith said any country hit by such a powerful earthquake would suffer structural damage.
Reporters wanted to get the government's views on the concerns expressed by the opposition and other interest groups about the role of UDeCOTT board member Michael Annisette, who is also an Independent Senator.
Annisette was vociferous in his defence of UDeCOTT last week and slammed fired Cabinet minister Dr Keith Rowley, even suggesting that Rowley's concerns about UDeCOTT were hypocritical. That led to questions about the senator's independence.
Imbert deflected the question of Annisette's independence, saying instead that he was on the UDeCOTT board before he was appointed a senator.
Browne tried to add spin to the issue by explaining that part of the criteria for appointing a board member was to establish balance as well as problem resolution skills.
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