Concerned about State capture-the narrowing influence of power into the hands of a few-as well as good governance, the Trinidad & Tobago Transparency Institute (TTTI) sought a meeting with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The meeting was held on August 4, at the Prime Minister's office and included Housing Minister and Leader of Government Business Dr Roodal Moonilal. "It was a meeting to convey to the PM our willingness to provide any assistance in connection with promoting transparency in Government. It was part of their manifesto," TTTI chairman Richard Joseph confirmed yesterday. Questioned why this meeting was not made public, Joseph stated: "We reached a stage where we felt it was more appropriate to conduct it discreetly. From the time it gets into the media, people made assumptions."
Joseph explained that TTTI had not officially written to the PM on the meeting so they were "a little reluctant" to put information out in the press but they did brief their members about the session. The Sunday Guardian understands that the meeting was originally sought last year at the beginning of Persad-Bissessar's administration to indicate TTTI's willingness to facilitate access to anti-corruption resources in a variety of areas. The Sunday Guardian obtained a brief of the meeting in which Joseph addressed, "the acrimonious political climate and expressed concern about the negative fallout on public confidence in national institutions". With regard to State capture, the brief stated: "The Chair outlined the concept and risks faced from a variety of sources, and the PM/Minister Moonilal agreed that it was a matter of concern."
Delay in progress of Procurement Bill
Joseph also addressed the delay in progress of the Procurement Bill, the introduction of which had been promised within a month of the elections. "The Chair (Joseph) expressed TTTI's concern with the state of affairs, given the PP's manifesto promises and the present climate in respect of corruption issues," it said. Joseph also expressed concern about the delay in implementation of the Uff Commission recommendations. "Both the PM and Minister Moonilal indicated that a report from Bob Lindquist was awaited before proceeding with full implementation; but, in the interim, several of the recommendations were being implemented at UDECOTT and HDC," the brief said.
Joseph also addressed TTTI's initiatives which include a Youth Integrity Programme and an Advocacy and Legal Aid Centre (Alac). "The PM agreed that there was a need in this area, and referred to an Anti Corruption Bill drafted about ten years ago that had similar provisions. The Attorney General would be asked to review same with a view to introducing the legislation. TTTI would also be provided with a copy for review/research," the brief said. On the way forward, it was agreed that Government/TTTI would, wherever possible, work together sharing information and resources with a view towards ensuring transparency and accountability in public life.
Moonilal: Move to bring good governance to T&T.
To this end, Moonilal has been appointed "point person" for liaison with the TTTI. Moonilal told the Sunday Guardian that TTTI had requested a copy of the Anti-Corruption Bill, which the Government would supply, to offer their comments on it. He said another meeting is scheduled for a few days time to share insights with a view to implementing their concerns. In the last year, the TTTI has issued over 25 statements addressing areas of ethics in the board room to political scandals including the former planning minister, Mary King, allegations against the former directors of Evolving Technologies and Enterprise Development Company Ltd (eTecK), the $40 million NP contract, the Jack Warner/ bin Hammam FIFA scandal and the civil action being undertaken by the Central Bank with regard to Clico mismanagement.
More Info
How T&T ranks in corruption perception index.
In 2010, T&T ranked 73 out of 178 countries according to Transparency International's 2010 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The 2011 CPI will be released in October. The TTTI members include vice chair, Karen de Montbrun, secretary Dion Abdool, treasurer Frederick A "Toey" Du Coudray, Michael Alleyne, Carmena Baird, Wayne Maughan, Deryck Murray, Annette des Iles, Bliss Seepersad.