Public Utilities Minister Rejects Conflict Of Interest Claims Against TSTT Chairman
Minister of Public Utilities and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Barry Padarath, is hitting back at allegations surrounding recently appointed Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) Chairman Kern Dass, describing claims of a conflict of interest as « without merit ».
He also revealed that legal action against the Communication Workers’ Union is imminent.
« I also took note that the Guardian’s front page today alludes to the fact that Mr Dass is taking legal action. And I want to say that I am also intent on taking legal action based on the comments that were made by the union yesterday. »
The Communication Workers’ Union had questioned whether Mr Dass’ association with a local financial institution could result in preferential treatment in matters involving TSTT’s financial affairs.
However, Minister Padarath insisted that no such conflict exists, maintaining that the TSTT Chairman’s professional ties do not affect his ability to carry out his fiduciary responsibilities.
« I am very confident, and I have every trust in Mr Dass’ ability, and therefore a lot of what has been placed in the public space has no substance or merit to it. »
The Minister described the allegations as « defamatory » and « slanderous », warning that unsubstantiated claims made without factual evidence can be both damaging and dangerous.
« They cannot be making statements in the public spaces about who are financiers of Ministers and political parties and so on and you have no evidence of these things. »
Minister Padarath suggested the allegations form part of a broader effort by the CWU to gain leverage in ongoing negotiations, including its call for a 10% wage increase for TSTT workers.
He insisted that no 10% wage offer has been made and the Government will not be yielding to pressure from the CWU.
« At no point in time was a 10% wage offer ever made to the CWU. I have no intention of being bullied or backed into a corner by the CWU for any 10%, and therefore the negotiations will continue, but I want to make it once more abundantly clear that there will be no percent wage offer for the CWU. »
After consulting with Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, Mr Padarath said legal documents are being prepared, with pre-action letters expected to be issued to the union when the process is complete.
