CEPEP seeks to muzzle Moonilal
I will be at the Port of Spain Eight High Court at 11 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday October 26) to defend a historic legal suit brought against me by the Government-run CEPEP Company Limited.
The Company is seeking an injunction to prevent me from repeating my earlier revelations about serious governance issues at the organisation, including dismissals of contractors and workers, employment of senior officials and overall use of taxpayers’ funds.
My research has not found any precedent in the Commonwealth of a taxpayer-funded organisation attempting to censor criticisms by an elected Member of Parliament on matters of the management of the Company.
I had also had ministerial responsibility for CEPEP during the five years of the People’s Partnership Administration. I am currently the Shadow Minister of Housing and Urban Development and, as part of my parliamentary duties, I have supervisory responsibility for CEPEP.
The Company is also demanding an apology for my exposes, failing which there is a threat to commence High Court proceedings against me.
As an elected representative of the people and as former Line Minister, I have critically analysed activities at CEPEP, which is extensively financed with public funds.
The purpose of my scrutiny is to draw the public’s attention to poor decision-making, including the removal of competent and committed mini-entrepreneurs and workers.
The Rowley regime has responded by attempting to muzzle me.
I wish to assure the country that I will vigorously defend my right to properly inform citizens of wrong-doing at CEPEP and other State companies and agencies. I will not be intimidated or bullied.
I also draw the country’s attention to the recent abrupt removal of the CEPEP Line Minister and equally puzzling resignation of its Chairman, along with confirmations by senior Government officials of plans to dismiss thousands of employees.
I will consider, after advice, bringing CEPEP before the Privileges Committee of Parliament for attempting to muzzle and intimidate a sitting Member of Parliament in the conduct of his official duties.
I also note that this may be a deliberate effort to muzzle me in making revelations on other areas of misdeeds by high-ranking Government officials.