Shamfa: TDC discussions ongoing

Responding to a question in the House of Representatives, Cudjoe stated, “Discussions with the union are ongoing.” She also indicated that the CWU had filed an industrial relations order with the Industrial Court.

Reminding MPs that Government sanctioned a review of the company, Cudjoe said such a review was also sanctioned by the former People’s Partnership administration.

She added, “The Cabinet of TT always observes the laws of TT.” Earlier in the sitting, Finance Minis- ter Colm Imbert said the Planning Ministry advised him that of the $5.1 billion allocated for the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP), $1.34 billion has been spent to date and the quantum of the PSIP implemented was 26 percent.

However Imbert added, “That does not include commitments already made for work done where invoices are being processed.” On this basis, Imbert said this figure would be higher.

On Tuesday in the Senate, Imbert said the withdrawal of $1,712,200,000 (US$251 million) from the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF) will be used to partially fund “hundreds of projects” listed under the 2017 PSIP.

Planning Minister Camille Robinson- Regis indicated that efforts are being made to pay CEPEP contractors and workers, outstanding contract fees and wages respectively, “in the shortest possible time.”