Guns and ammunition secure

Gomez told JSC members that an equally robust system is used to check ammunition used by TTDF personnel. He said that in the event of any breach, the TTDF’s systems allow it to regulate any such event very quickly. Gomez and TT Fire Service representative Robert Williams outlined to committee members the process whereby vehicles in their respective organisations are acquired, maintained and disposed of.

When committee member, Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat asked about the fate of a fire truck which fell down a precipice in Blanchisseuse in 2013 and was removed at a cost of $6.8 million, Williams said that truck, “is now at the Chaguanas Fire Station.” He said it is not in use and has not been disposed of. Williams was unable to explain why this was the case.

Rambharat, who recused himself earlier in the proceedings when the JSC met with representatives from his ministry, said he took a decision on assuming office in September 2015, to dispose of a Porsche Cayenne vehicle purchased for the use of his predecessor Vasant Bharath.

Agriculture Ministry officials said that vehicle was auctioned last year.

Rambharat explained he directed the Porsche Cayenne be disposed of “because of the signal it sent” and not because of the cost.

The minister also expressed aggravation over the acquisition of a particular fire engine with chrome wheels and paintings on its exterior as well a report which spoke about the acquisition of cars by the Fire Service. JSC chairman and Speaker of the House of Representatives Bridgid Annisette-George, directed National Security Ministry Permanent Secretary Lydia Jacobs to provide additional information to the committee, in writing, by February 3.