Montano denies TT mission corruption charge

ACTING FOREIGN Affairs Minister Danny Montano yesterday dismissed Opposition UNC allegations about a “spending spree” at Trinidad and Tobago’s High Commission in Ottawa. Speaking in the Senate on Tuesday, UNC chairman Wade Mark accused the Ottawa High Commission of a purchase by High Commissioner Arnold Piggott of a Nissan Pathfinder SUV for his personal use, “in addition to the official Audi vehicle that was already available for use. Mark called on Montano to investigate the matter. In a statement, Montano said: “The Audi motor car referred to was acquired in December 2001 by way of a lease at Cdn $1,276 per month for five months by the High Commissioner who was appointed by the UNC administration.

“The total lease commitment for the period amounts to Cdn $76,560. The High Commission also has another vehicle for general purposes and office use, a Chevrolet Cutlass that was acquired eight years ago.” The Minister said the new SUV was purchased to replace the Chevrolet Cutlass because it is better suited for general purpose and office use. The SUV was bought in May under a four-year lease arrangement at Cdn $859.62 per month. “The total lease commitment amounts to Cdn $41,261.76 (approximately $190,000) which includes all insurance and maintenance over the four-year period,” Montano added.