Moonilal slams CEPEP move

Under the former People’s Partnership (PP) government, Moonilal served as line minister for CEPEP in the latter stages of that regime.

Moonilal told Newsday this decision, “is an open, blatant and naked attempt at politicising the programme on the eve of a local government election.” Rural Development and Local Government Minister Franklin Khan is also People’s National Movement (PNM) chairman.

Moonilal claimed the reassignment of CEPEP to Khan’s ministry also speaks to the failure of Public Utilities Minister Ancil Antoine to properly manage the programme.

He further alleged that CEPEP will now, “likely be used as a tool by the ruling party.” Indicating that his lawyers are looking at a CEPEP newspaper advertisement which made statements about a misappropriation of $39.6 million in projects in his constituency, Moonilal said, “I expect CEPEP to make their case at the High Court.” On Wednesday, Moonilal said he intended to sue CEPEP for defamation.