Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley yesterday sought to distance himself from reports which alleged he was the housing minister at the time of the construction of the Las Alturas housing project at Lady Young Road, Morvant.
In a release issued by the Corporate Communications Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) around 2 pm, officials refuted media reports that claimed it was under Rowley’s tenure that the failed development was constructed.
The fifth session of the commission of enquiry (CoE) was scheduled to start yesterday but was adjourned “due to the unavailability of witnesses.”
This session was expected to run from yesterday to October 9.
Officials indicated that due to the scheduling conflicts with some of the witnesses and Queen’s Counsel Vincent Nelson, who represents the Housing Development Corporation, alternative dates will have to be set.
However, they are hoping that the fifth session will be held before October is out.
The enquiry was set up to investigate the circumstances that led to the construction of the Las Alturas Towers at Lady Young Road, Morvant, and is being chaired by retired Justice Mustapha Ibrahim at the Caribbean Court of Justice, Henry Street, Port-of-Spain.
Last week, commission officials assured that they did not intend to abandon the enquiry following the change in government.
The release from the OPM read: “Contrary to a recent media report Dr Rowley did not hold the portfolio of minister of housing at the time of the awards for the construction of the failed Las Alturas Towers which are the subject of the enquiry.”
It was stated that the portfolio was held by then minister of planning, housing and the environment, Emily Gaynor Dick-Forde, who was appointed to the position in December 2007.
The release added that the “contract items under the purview and investigation of the commission of enquiry occurred from 2008 onwards when he (Rowley) was no longer the minister of housing and therefore held no responsibility for that portfolio.”
The enquiry was recommended by the former Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar after concerns were raised about the cost which skyrocketed from $65 million to $90 million.
Commission officials said they were appointed by the President Anthony Carmona on December 2, 2014, and unless instructed otherwise, they would continue to carry out their duties as outlined in the procedural rules.
During a brief interview at Cabildo Chambers, St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain, on his first day in office, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi, when questioned about the future of the commission, promised to get the facts on it.
At the time, he said: “I would also have to deal with the fact that there may be a perceived conflict of interest, in so far as the last prime minister specifically made certain statements, which of course I don't agree with, but I must act with propriety in relation to the conduct of that matter.
“I would not want to run afoul of any aspect of a perception of a conflict of interest.”
When contacted about the amount of money that had so far been spent on the enquiry, officials directed that query to the OPM, whom they cited as the one responsible for payment to the commissioners and attorneys.
AT A GLANCE
The commission of enquiry was set up to investigate “the entire process which led to the construction of the Las Alturas Towers at Lady Young Gardens, Morvant, and all other acts, matters or decisions done or undertaken incidental to and including the construction” of the project, which includes the procurement process.
Two multi-storey units of the Las Alturas housing project began falling apart soon after construction and the $26 million towers were earmarked for demolition.
They were part of a larger project, which was originally budgeted at $65 million and then rose to $90 million.
The commission is chaired by former Justice of Appeal Mustapha Ibrahim.
The other members include civil engineers, Dr Myron Wing-Sang Chin and Anthony Farrell. Attorney Laraine Lutchmedial is the secretary.
They were appointed by President Anthony Carmona in December 2014.
In September 2014, former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar recommended an enquiry into the project after raising concerns about the two towers which had to be demolished.
Rowley said though he welcomed the probe, it would be another waste of taxpayers’ dollars.
LEGAL MINDS
The commission's attorneys include Senior Counsel Pamela Elder and Jagdeo Singh, instructed by Alvin Pariagsingh.
Queen's Counsel Vincent Nelson and Larry Lalla are appearing for the Housing Development Corporation.
Richard Mason, Jehan Mohammed, Faydia Mohammed and Brendon Sullivan are appearing for the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago.
Vinda Maharaj and Kirt Walrond are appearing on behalf of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Justin Phelps and Jerome Herrera, instructed by Anabelle Sooklal are appearing for Geotech Associates Limited (GA).
Emerson John-Charles is appearing on behalf of Civil Engineering Management and Services (CEMAS) and Steve Kistow Engineering Services.