Would you believe that the Office of Procurement Regulation (OPR) has launched a formal investigation into LandmarkTT Properties Limited’s handling of the TT$100 million Allamby Residential Development in Corinth, San Fernando?
Would you believe that Opposition MP Camille Robinson-Regis criticized the lack of a stop order, questioning whether contractors are rushing preliminary work to secure payment before any potential halt?
Would you believe Camille Robinson-Regis described LandmarkTT’s origins as “questionable” and accused the administration of using PPPs to benefit “rich friends and financiers” with access to prime state lands at nominal rates?
Would you believe she also highlighted a fresh complaint filed by attorney Randall Mitchell on behalf of activist Wendell Eversley, demanding that the project be halted?
Would you believe this probe follows the OPR’s earlier suspension of $3.4 billion in HDC housing contracts in April, triggered by complaints of irregularities and lack of transparency?
Would you believe that Housing Minister David Lee has affirmed that no contracts under the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) have been awarded while the Office of Procurement Regulation (OPR) investigates potential irregularities?
Would you believe that in April, the OPR directed the HDC to halt the awarding of $3.4 billion in housing contracts pending a full review of procurement records?
Would you believe that Lee clearly stated that the contracts were still within the mandatory standstill period, and emphasized the importance of waiting for the regulator’s findings before drawing any conclusions?
Would you believe Lee also addressed claims made by investigative reporter Mark Bassant, who alleged that someone claiming to represent an HDC official attempted to pay him to suppress a story on alleged collusion, suggesting that law enforcement should deal with credible evidence rather than media speculation?
Would you believe that former Minister in the Ministry of Finance and current San Fernando East MP Brian Manning has cautioned the Government against introducing new taxes or fines amid rising economic pressures, as uncertainty surrounds the timing of the mid-year budget review?
Would you believe Manning took jabs at the administration for worsening financial strain on citizens, describing the situation as a “self-inflicted recession” and accusing the Government of using budget discussions as a political platform rather than an economic tool?
Would you believe Manning also highlighted concerns over public sector wage adjustments, noting that many workers received smaller increases than expected while facing higher living costs due to taxes?
Would you believe Manning further echoed earlier statements by Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath, who suggested forthcoming budget debates would focus on the conduct of former office holders?
Would you believe Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo offered little or no clarity on the timing of the review, stating only that it would occur “soon”?
Would you believe that while mid-year budget reviews typically take place in May or June, there is no constitutional deadline for the process, as it remains a discretionary policy mechanism under Section 113?
Would you believe that Trinidad and Tobago authorities had impounded a Ukrainian-operated Antonov An-12BP cargo plane and detained its five-member European crew after it landed at Piarco International Airport carrying industrial explosives?
Would you believe that the aircraft, operated by Ukrainian airline Cavok Air, arrived around 6:08 p.m. on May 14 for refuelling after flying from Houston, Texas, via Nassau, Bahamas, and was en route to Libya?
Would you believe serious concerns were raised when the crew declared the explosives but could not immediately provide full cargo documentation? Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander confirmed in Parliament that the plane was impounded and that the crew had been questioned.
Would you believe the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) confirmed that the aircraft had been secured under national security protocols? Authorities stressed that there was no threat to the public or airport operations and described the situation as being under control.
Would you believe the UNC Wallerfield social media chat has raised several questions for its MP asking for an update on issues like water, roads, street lighting, safety, crime deterrence, and identifying suspicious activity within the community, employment, and issues affecting farmers’ agriculture?
Would you believe a massive anti-smuggling operation in Cedros ended with dozens of illegally imported animals being euthanised after veterinary officials discovered they were infected with a communicable disease?
Would you believe that officers of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) conducted the operation along the Cedros/Icacos coastline last Sunday morning after receiving intelligence about suspicious activity near the shoreline?
Would you believe that after conducting surveillance, officers spotted a vessel speeding away from the area shortly before intercepting a wheel tractor emerging from nearby forested terrain with a trailer loaded with livestock?
Would you believe the vehicle was escorted to the Cedros Police Station, where officers counted 35 sheep and seven goats believed to have been illegally brought into the country from nearby Venezuela?
Would you believe that veterinary officials from the Ministry of Agriculture were immediately called in to assess the animals? Following examinations, the Chief Veterinary Officer for St Patrick reportedly confirmed that the livestock were infected with a disease capable of threatening local agriculture and public health.
Would you believe the authorities ordered the humane euthanasia of all 42 animals as part of emergency biosecurity measures aimed at preventing the possible spread of disease across the country?
Would you believe that two people are currently assisting police with investigations into the illegal importation, while Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro warned that unlawful livestock trafficking poses a serious threat to national food security, public health, and the livelihoods of local farmers?
