Young: Mouttet’s selection not flawed

Young also said Government retained its confidence in the board of the Port Authority at this time.

He told reporters it was not uncommon for several entities to be simultaneously conducting investigations into the same issue. Young cited a commission of enquiry (COE), police investigation and Central Bank investigations into the Clico/ CL Financial fiasco as an example. He said contrary to some media reports, the Port Authority is not conducting any probe into the procurement of the Ocean Flower II and the Cabo Star. He said a statement issued by the Port Authority was in reference to Mouttet’s appointment.

Young said Mouttet is being provided with resources from his ministry to undertake a fact finding assignment and submit a report to Rowley in 30 days. He reiterated that if the findings of Mouttet’s report warrant either civil or criminal action to be taken, the Government will act accordingly. Reminding reporters that the Integrity Commission is free to conduct its own probe into this matter, Young said, “There is no crossing of the lines.” He also said Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, as a former member of the Basdeo Panday Cabinet, is well aware that Mouttet’s appointment is not unique. Young said Persad-Bissessar was involved in that cabinet’s decisions to appoint former judge Jim Davis to look into the Police Service using Cherokee Jeeps