Moonilal defends ‘historic legal suit’

In a media release issued yesterday afternoon, the Member of Parliament for Oropouche East and former line minister stated: “The company is seeking an injunction to prevent me from repeating my earlier revelations about serious governance issues at the organisation, including dismissals of contractors and workers, employment of senior officials and overall use of taxpayers’ funds. My research has not found any precedent in the Commonwealth of a taxpayer-funded organisation attempting to censor criticisms by an elected Member of Parliament on matters of the management of the company.” Moonilal went to say: “I had also had ministerial responsibility for CEPEP during the five years of the People’s Partnership Administration. I am currently the Shadow Minister of Housing and Urban Development and, as part of my parliamentary duties, I have supervisory responsibility for CEPEP.”

According to Moonilal, the company is also demanding an apology for “my exposes, failing which there is a threat to commence High Court proceedings against me.”

He stressed that as an elected representative and former line minister, he has critically analysed CEPEP activities which are financed with public funds and the purpose of his scrutiny “is to draw the public’s attention to poor decision-making, including the removal of competent and committed mini-entrepreneurs and workers.” Moonilal said, “The Rowley regime has responded by attempting to muzzle me.”