Speaker blanks Padarath’s request

Annisette-George’s rejection of Padarath’s request came after Sports Minister Daryl Smith reminded MPs that a report commissioned under the former People’s Partnership (PP) government, dismissed all of the concerns alleged by Padarath.

The Princes Town MP served as an aide in the Office of the Prime Minister under the PP.

In making his statement, Smith said the concern being raised by Padarath was, “his concern, not the public of TT.” He said in 2013, the Arun Buch report commissioned by the Urban Development Corporation of TT (Udecott) gave the stadium, “ a fit for purpose grading.” Smith said some minor work had to be done on the stadium because of the time it was left unattended under the PP.

He said this included seismic strengthening and minor works to the roof.

During debate on a private motion later in the sitting, Smith claimed millions of dollars worth of equipment went missing from the stadium during the PP’s tenure in office.

The stadium is scheduled to be opened on May 13 with a T20 match between a Brian Lara XI and a Sachin Tendulkar XI. Earlier this week, Padarath claimed that 15,000 lives could be at risk because of structural defects at the stadium.

Udecott chairman Noel Garcia said there is documented evidence which proves Padarath’s claims were reckless and irresponsible.