Business magnate Christian Mouttet has come out in strong defence of his integrity and independence, in light of criticism levelled against him as Prime Minister’s Dr Keith Rowley’s choice as the sole investigator into the Cabo Star and Ocean Flower 2 vessels, which are now embroiled in controversy.
Mouttet also denied he shares a close friendship with Rowley and said he did not request any payment for the services he will be providing.
Asked if investigating the matter involving the sea bridge vessels would be a conflict of interest, given the fact that he owns several distribution companies which utilise the ferry service, Mouttet said: “No, I would not see that as a conflict of interest.”
Asked if he was concerned about public criticisms immediately levelled against him following the announcement, Mouttet said it was a possibility but not one that will deter him from his task.
Mouttet, who is at the helm of Prestige Holdings Ltd, will be provided with support from the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs and was given 30-days by Rowley to submit his findings, a release from the Office of the Prime Minister said yesterday.
In an interview with the T&T Guardian soon after the news, Mouttet said over the next 24 hours he will be briefed further in order to guide how he charts his way forward in the investigation.
Asked if he is qualified as an investigator, Mouttet said no, but said he was asked to conduct an investigation which requires a certain amount of work, such as meeting with people, carrying out interviews and putting together information and documentation that had been created regarding the whole procurement process for the two vessels.
He made it absolutely clear that it was not a forensic investigation.
“So in that regard, I believe I don’t think there is any problem with regards to putting together and carrying out interviews, just to understand the fact. That is what I have been charged to do,” Mouttet said.
He admitted that he held discussions with the PM a few days ago on the appointment, but stayed clear of the details.
Asked why he was chosen by the PM, Mouttet suggested that question be directed to the PM.
“I can act in a very independent and dispassionate way but I cannot say why I am the choice of the PM and the Cabinet. It is certainly not what I was expecting.”
Asked if he was offered any payment by the Government, he said, “I have not been asked, nor have I requested any payment.”
When asked if he is a friend of Rowley, Mouttet replied that he knows the PM but added, “We don’t have a friendship that extends beyond the professional relationship.”
Once the investigation commences, Mouttet said he believes he will be able to gain the support of stakeholders, but was a bit sceptical about Bridgemans Services Group.
“I do not know the individuals (company) and I don’t know much about them, but I certainly hope that they would be helpful and be prepared to participate. I don’t know that anybody is required to do anything and certainly I don’t know anybody here has the authority to tell Bridgemans what they can and can’t do,” Mouttet said.
He, however, expressed faith in the Port Authority of T&T board in surrendering documents.
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“I have no reason to believe that the Port would not be cooperative.”
On whether he thinks his report will be deemed credible by the public, Mouttet replied: “I believe that it will be questioned for independence and competency. I would like to think that with more than 25 years of work experience at the senior executive level and at the way I have operated at various boards, both private and public sector boards, I would like to think that I bring the tools to the table that would be necessary to not just conduct the investigation, but bring people together to want to cooperate.”
Noting some of the State-owned companies he worked for were the Chaguaramas Development Authority and TSTT while he was Chamber of Industry and Commerce president for two terms, Mouttet said, “I would like to think that I bring a fair amount of experience and independence to the table that should give people confidence that what I bring is independent and impartial,” Mouttet said, adding he is confident he can deliver his findings in the time stipulated.
ABOUT CHRISTIAN MOUTTET
Christian E. Mouttet, serves as the CEO of the Victor E. Mouttet Ltd Group.
Holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a double major in Business Administration and Political Science from Wagner College, New York.
Has extensive experience at an executive level in the areas of finance and marketing.
Has been chairman of Agostini’s Limited since January 23, 2017, as well as chairman of SuperPharm Ltd, Vemco, Pepsi Cola Trinidad, Caribbean Distribution Partners Ltd and CDP Trinidad.
Has been the chairman at Prestige Holdings Ltd since April 30, 2012.
Served as the chairman of Smith Robertson & Company Ltd.
A non-executive director of Agostini’s Ltd since 2010.
A director at Victor E. Mouttet Ltd Group.
A director of Smith Robertson & Company Ltd and Desinco Trading Ltd.
Served as an executive director of Republic Bank Ltd since January 2, 2009 until November 14, 2014.
Board: Tender process compromised
The Port Authority of T&T’s board last night said it had launched an investigation into the procurement process used to acquire the Cabo Star and Ocean Flower 2 vessels, after receiving new information which suggests the process used had been “compromised.”
In a statement, the PATT said: “The board of the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago has received information today which suggests that the Management Evaluation Committee stage of the procurement process may have been compromised in relation to the time charter of vessels to service the inter-island sea bridge.”
It added that it had put measures in place to “ensure that the investigation is satisfactorily executed” and that “steps have been taken to facilitate the investigation consistent with proper industrial relations practices.”