The demand for a multi-million dollar contract by a certain individual has been linked to attacks and "death threats" on the life of chairman of the Urban Development Corporation of T&T (Udecott) Jearlean John. Police yesterday confirmed to Sunday Guardian that the matter is currently being investigated by officers of the Port-of-Spain Criminal Investigation Department (CID). John was interviewed in her office by police on Thursday in connection with the threats.
The Udecott boss, who is also the managing director of the Housing Development Corporation, yesterday admitted to receiving threats, but warned that she would not be bullied or cowered into breaching systematic procedures. "I have a job to do and I do it in a very transparent manner. If by implementing these systems I am putting my life at risk, so be it," a tough talking John said in a telephone interview from London yesterday. The suspect, police said, is believed to be an aggrieved contractor who has been unable to secure contracts at the State-owned enterprise.
Sunday Guardian learnt that several threatening e-mails sent by the suspect to John are also in the possession of the police. In an e-mail to John, police said, the suspect threatened a "backlash" for allowing her to head the mega State enterprise. John's attacker also indicated there would be "consequences" for keeping her in that position. He also warned John should never fight "someone who has less to lose than you have." Police said the suspect-who has been issuing other threats-also boasted of having a background in construction and insists that he can be instrumental in turning around Udecott and implementing the UFF recommendations.
John's daughter also under attack
John said she opted to report the matter to the police after the suspect turned his fury on her daughter, attorney Aisha Serrette, regarding an alleged conflict of interest. The fear of losing her life and the constant tirades by the suspect has led John's daughter to migrate to London. Vehemently denying claims that she was engaged in any wrongdoing that warrants a probe by the Integrity Commission, an outspoken John said: "It is a blatant lie. My daughter is an attorney, she would never have a job at Udecott. I would never pay her a salary as long as I am chairman of that company. It is a vicious lie by someone seeking work and they are seeing me as standing in their way.
"It is over one year this individual has been stalking and persecuting me. To attack me is one thing; but like any mother I have to protect my daughter from harm. It is a diabolic plot to intimidate me to get work....but I would not be bullied. "I have a job to do and I would continue to do it the proper way. If it makes me unpopular, so be it," John charged. "There are some people inside of Udecott who do not want to see the company go forward; they have gotten accustomed doing things in a particular manner but it could never be business as usual with me at the head." On Friday, John learned via the media that she is being probed by the Integrity Commission.
The Udecott head said since she was appointed to head the organisation "the tendering process at Udecott is open." "Everything I do is above board. Nearly every week tenders are advertised and are going out on a regular basis. If you qualify you are awarded the contract. "The process is completely transparent. Only one month ago, I instructed HDC to construct four new boxes with latches for a tendering process at Udecott to ensure that there were no flaws. "There is a right way and a wrong way to do things. Anyone that knows Jearlean John knows what I stand for. I do not bow to pressure or interference and I am not going to allow a tug to make me go against my values and conscience. I am not easily intimidated."
Moonilal: Police probing threats
Commenting on the latest development yesterday, Udecott's line Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal said: "I have been aware for some time of the writings of this individual who is a regular blogger and who has chosen to target Ms John and Udecott. "I am aware of the threats against her and the matter is currently being investigated by the police."