The report of an investigation in alleged wrongdoing on several projects at the the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) has been completed and forwarded to Attorney General John Jeremie.Public Utilities Minister Mustapha Abdul-Hamid told reporters Thursday the Central Audit Unit of the Ministry of Finance conducted the probe with respect to the procedures, processes and compliance with established tender rules.
One of the areas of concern was the commission's street lighting program and alleged irregularties in how the commission operated this service. The controversy regarding the issue led to the resignation of T&TEC chairman Devanand Ramlal.
Read the story: Ramlal quits as T&TEC chairman
The minister said the report does not "categorically and definitively take positions on wrongdoing of individuals", noting that the document has been sent to Jeremie "for review and guidance".
He explained that the auditors did not take any definitive position on alleged wrongdoing so "we felt that the attorney general was the best place to which that report could be forwarded."
He said there is no truth to reports that the son of a senior Cabinet minister was involved in the street-lighting program.
"I understand from the knowledge that I have that that seems to be entirely a fabrication. But once again, if the attorney general is able to find something to that effect, he will decide and proceed with it as is necessary.
"But as far as I am concerned, I have not been able to identify any basis for that allegation whatsoever," he said.
The minister said it would be up to the attorney general to decide if he wants to refer the report to the Director of Public Prosecutions "or anywhere else".
Abdul-Hamid told reporters he does not know of Ramlal's current whereabouts since his resignation because he is not obliged to maintain information on his whereabouts. "He is an independent and free citizen and can travel as he pleases," he said.
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