UDeCOTT board won't quit, expresses confidence in Chairman Hart

Members of the Board of the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT) told the media Monday they are not resigning despite calls from various sectors for them to quit.

And at a news conference in Port of Spain the group led by Deputy Chairman, Dr Krishna Bahadoosingh, declared that contrary to what people are saying, there is no corruption at the state corporation.

"If there is the slightest perception of anything being wrong, we would not be here. As far as I know, there is no corruption," Bahadoorsingh said.

They admitted, however, that UDeCOTT is not proud of one mega-project - the Brian Lara cricket stadium which is several years behind schedule and has so far cost more than $700 million. However, they noted that no one is talking about the successful projects that have been completed on time and within budget.

Notably absent was UDeCOTT Executive Chairman, Calder Hart. Other board members were also there along with UDeCOTT's lawyers. Bahadooringh explained that Hart was unable to attend because of another engagement. Hart confirmed to the media later that he was meeting with the attorney general.

Commenting on the legal matter, Bahadoorsingh said a distinction must be made between UDeCOTT’s performance of its governmental tasks and mission, and its rights and obligations to defend itself against charges of improper procedures or corruption.

"UDeCOTT is totally obedient to the wishes of the Government in its development program, while at the same time being resolutely independent of its right to defend itself against allegations which go to the integrity and character of the company and of its officials and employees," Bahadoorsingh explained.

Bahadoorsingh said commissioners must be personally "free of any conflict of interest, and if there is any suggestion of a conflict of interest, it will be their obligation to make full disclosure of this."

Bahadoorsingh said so far one commissioner has resigned and another has disclosed a conflict of interest. Noting that Hart voluntarily appeared before the commission, Bahadoosingh said, "It is, therefore, wholly inaccurate and grossly unfair to suggest that UDeOTT’s attitude to the inquiry has been anything, but co-operative and obliging beyond the call of duty."

He added, "The Board of UDeCOTT is satisfied that it is—and had been—performing its fiduciary duties faithfully and diligently, and no member has any intention of conceding to any such demands," adding that the board has confidence in the leadership, competence and integrity of Hart.

Bahadoorsingh also commented on a statement by Attorney General John Jeremie that he met with UDeCOTT’s lawyers last week, noting that board members were not part of that discussion.

And he was clear that board members did not receive any specific directive from the Corporation Sole or the line minister on the issue of the judicial review case.