Allegations of demands for sexual favours have surfaced over a proposed $20 million-dollar deal that led to the sudden resignation of a senior executive at the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA). Provocative comments of: "Work the man," "You are not here for your good looks," and "Take one for the boys," Sunday Guardian learned, are what reportedly led to the fleeing of the executive, who was expected to play a key role in turning around the cash-strapped state enterprise.
The shocking incident is the latest scandal to surface from operations at the CDA, which in recent weeks has led to an exodus and questionable financial transactions. The incident, which was kept hush-hush for several months, took place in September at a well-known Chaguaramas restaurant in the presence of representatives of international premier signature designer Greg Norman Golf Course Design (GNGCD), AECOM Professional Services, and several board members and officials of CDA.
Official documents obtained by the Sunday Guardian revealed that the board agreed on September 13 to start negotiations with GNGCD for the development and operation of an 18-hole world-class golf resort at Tucker Valley, Chaguaramas. The international firm, which has a track record of designing and developing over 72 golf courses worldwide, was invited to T&T on September 26 to submit a proposal for the multi-million-dollar project.
Listed in the programme summary in a copy of the proposal submitted to CDA and obtained by Sunday Guardian:
•Develop a world-class golf course
•Preserve and enhance a pristine environment
•Provide complete and free access to the community
•Create an asset of international importance for T&T
•Add another great dimension to the tourist experience of T&T
•Create additional recreational/educational/cultural asset for the community
•Unified vision
The golf course forms part of the CDA's developmental plan for the western peninsula.
Inappropriate conduct stuns officials
But the Sunday Guardian learned the turn of events that took place after the presentation left many stunned and has also played a part in the contentious situation facing the board at this time. Speaking with the Sunday Guardian under strict anonymity, a member of the high-powered team who was present during the incident recalled: "The entire incident was so disrespectful that no one wanted to talk about what happened, because everyone was afraid of the consequences. What happened that night was very embarrassing and left many people shocked. Many of us could not believe what we were seeing or hearing.
"At one point the situation escalated to a point where CDA officials had to intervene to stop their own executive from being sexually harassed. Even staff at the restaurant was shocked at what was taking place, but everybody chose to stay quiet because of repercussions. "It is only now things are starting to unravel, but the CDA is in a total mess."
The Sunday Guardian learned that the day after the executive submitted her resignation, the board sent a letter to CDA chairman Danny Solomon requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the event. Several board members confirmed to Sunday Guardian that a meeting was called to discuss the incident but refused to elaborate on the details of the matter.
The September 29 letter obtained by the Sunday Guardian said: "This meeting has become necessary in light of certain incidents that took place at a restaurant (name called) on September 26. The events that took place on that said night have raised concerns among a range of persons including some of our stakeholders. We believe that it is possible that there may be some negative consequences and implications attached to this incident if it is not dealt with expeditiously."
However, the Sunday Guardian understands the meeting never took place. A senior manager at the CDA, who also confirmed the incident, added: "Imagine, a situation like this occurred and the meeting was cancelled. "This entire situation was brought to the attention of the planning minister and everyone is just turning a blind eye to what is taking place.
"It is the hands-off approach that has caused the friction on the board. Each time an urgent issue is expected to be dealt with at a board meeting, it is cancelled at the last minute for some reason. "It is time people are held accountable for their actions, otherwise very soon all that would be left at CDA is an empty shell because of all that is taking place."
CDA board meeting cancelled again
Most recently, it was only last Monday that board members were informed that its meeting scheduled to be held on July 25 had been cancelled, owing to recent Sunday Guardian reports. They were told in an e-mail: "Pursuant to the chairman's directive, please be informed that due to the newspaper article(s) appearing in the newspapers over the weekend as it relates to the business of CDA, please note that the 381st board meeting originally carded for Thursday 25th July 2012 is being postponed to a date to be re-scheduled. It is anticipated that the re-scheduling of this meeting will take place within the next 14 days or so and you will be informed accordingly."
The board was expected to meet to discuss who sanctioned the acceptance of a $2.4 million cheque from a potential client as a downpayment for a lease agreement for properties at Second Avenue South, Chaguaramas. Financial statements in the CDA's Management Account Report stated the recurrent bank balance as at May 31 showed a positive balance of $1.9 million, mainly attributed to the advance premium payment.
Copies of the 367th board minutes stated the board took a decision to grant a 30-year lease to EOG Resources Trinidad Ltd (EOG). However, the downpayment was accepted from a third-party potential client even as negotiations over the multi-million-dollar lease dispute are ongoing between CDA and EOG.
The negotiations were confirmed in an e-mail sent to the Sunday Guardian on Friday by communication specialist K Leonard of EOG International in Houston, Texas. The e-mail stated: "EOG Resources Trinidad Ltd is currently involved in negotiations with the Chaguaramas Development Authority related to the lease of the area which it occupies as a shore base that serves its offshore operations."
A senior official at the CDA commented: "The problem facing CDA is there are too many unresolved issues. We have invoices being submitted before the board even gives approval for the service, and instead of solving the problems, attempts are being made to cover up things. "We are seeing a clear abuse of power and a direct violation of board decisions, and nothing is being done. CDA would never be able to become self-sustainable if business continues to be conducted the way it is being handled.
CDA mum on issues
When contacted yesterday, CDA?chairman Danny Solomon referred all questions to communications specialist Peter Campbell. However, when the Sunday Guardian contacted Campbell for a response on the alleged claims and what led to the resignation of the former executive, he only said:?"We would respond when the time is right."?