Rampaul quits as UDeCOTT chief operating officer

UDeCOTT’s Chief Operating Officer Neelanda Rampaul resigned from her post Monday, just hours after Prof John Uff handed to President Richards the report of the Commission of Enquiry into the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT) and the construction sector.

The Trinidad Express reported Tuesday that Rampaul's resignation was confirmed by UDeCOTT chair, Jearlean John.

The paper said Rampaul handed in her resignation to John and the board of directors.

Rampaul defended UDeCOTT’s operations during the Uff enquiry and made several complaints against members of the commission, suggesting bias against UDeCOTT by commissioners.

She even accused the chairman of lacking credibility and of trying to destroy UDeCOTT.

Police and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) the are conducting a criminal probe into UDeCOTT and its former executive chairman Calder Hart.

The investigation centres on allegations that Hart awarded $820 million worth in contracts to CH Development Limited in a conflict of interest involving family members who were members of the firm.

Police have been trying to find Hart, who quit his post and left the country on March 6. The Attorney General and Hart's lawyers had said they have his contact information and promised that Hart would cooperate with the investigation.