ITEC wants investigation into scholarship affair

President of the Indo-Trinbago Equality Council (ITEC) Devant Maharaj wants an investigation in the $46 million in State assistance provided to more than 400 tertiary education students from 2003 to 2007.

The Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs made the awards and until recently had refused to give any information on the matter, citing privacy rules.

But ITEC was able to get the information through the courts under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.

On Monday, Maharaj wrote to the Integrity Commission, although the commission does not technically exist at the present time.

President Max Richards is in the process of selecting new members to replace the five commissioners who resigned six months ago within 10 days of being appointed.

Maharaj cited Section 24 of the Integrity in Public Life Act which says that a person in public such as a Government Minister shall "afford no undue preferential treatment to any group or individual" and also prohibits such persons from using their office "for the improper advancement of his own or his family’s personal or financial interests or the interest of any person."

He wrote, "The constitutional right to equality of treatment guaranteed by the State to all citizens implies that there will be equal access to opportunities for advancement and resources of the State. These scholarships were never publicly advertised and citizens were therefore deprived of the equal right to apply or be considered for same."

He argued that the list of those who got the financial awards shows an ethnic imbalance, although he admitted that several Indian names are on the list.

"The ethnic imbalance is disproportionately and overwhelmingly in favour of Afro-Trinis and it is no secret that this is the political base of the ruling party. The lack of transparency and fairness in the process leads to the irresistible and inescapable inference, if not conclusion, that Section 24 of the Integrity in Public Life Act was violated," Maharaj said.

The government has offered an explanation, saying the scholarships were intended for the people who met certain specific criteria, including being poor, vulnerable and needy.

Read the story: Gov't says culture scholarships are for poor and needy