debut: 2/16/17
39,950 runs
T&T...New twist in CEPEP legal battle
The ongoing legal drama involving the Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) has taken a new twist, with attorneys representing the State enterprise arguing that the former board of directors was deceived into believing that Cabinet had approved the extension of over 300 contracts for a further three years.In sworn affidavits, both former chief executive officer Keith Eddy and CEPEP’s corporate secretary and Legal Head, Nicole Gopaulsingh, stated that Cabinet approval had been granted. However, CEPEP’s attorneys argue that no trace or evidence of such approval exists. According to submissions, the Cabinet Secretariat confirmed that no such letter could be found. This was also supported by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Utilities. The legal team contends that the former CEPEP board was misled into believing the contracts—336 in total—had been lawfully extended until 2029.
“In the circumstances, the extension of these contracts was based on a fraudulent misrepresentation in furtherance of a political agenda whereby the Board was advised that the Cabinet had taken a decision to authorise and approve the extension of these contracts.”The attorneys argued that no Cabinet note had been taken, and no Cabinet minute or decision supported the claim that such approval was granted.In his affidavit dated July 14, 2025, Eddy stated that CEPEP chairman Joel Edwards had advised him in or around March 2025 that “cabinet had granted approval for CEPEP to extend all contracts to core contractors, key personnel and operational services for a maximum of three years.”Gopaulsingh stated that in April 2025, she was advised by Eddy that Cabinet had taken a decision to extend all 336 core contracts for an additional three years.
She described it as a “major policy decision” involving an estimated $1.4 billion Government expenditure. According to her affidavit, Eddy told her he had discussed the matter with Edwards and was confident that Cabinet’s approval had been granted.The Express sent questions to Al-Rawi yesterday but there was no immediate response.
The ongoing legal drama involving the Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) has taken a new twist, with attorneys representing the State enterprise arguing that the former board of directors was deceived into believing that Cabinet had approved the extension of over 300 contracts for a further three years.In sworn affidavits, both former chief executive officer Keith Eddy and CEPEP’s corporate secretary and Legal Head, Nicole Gopaulsingh, stated that Cabinet approval had been granted. However, CEPEP’s attorneys argue that no trace or evidence of such approval exists. According to submissions, the Cabinet Secretariat confirmed that no such letter could be found. This was also supported by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Utilities. The legal team contends that the former CEPEP board was misled into believing the contracts—336 in total—had been lawfully extended until 2029.
“In the circumstances, the extension of these contracts was based on a fraudulent misrepresentation in furtherance of a political agenda whereby the Board was advised that the Cabinet had taken a decision to authorise and approve the extension of these contracts.”The attorneys argued that no Cabinet note had been taken, and no Cabinet minute or decision supported the claim that such approval was granted.In his affidavit dated July 14, 2025, Eddy stated that CEPEP chairman Joel Edwards had advised him in or around March 2025 that “cabinet had granted approval for CEPEP to extend all contracts to core contractors, key personnel and operational services for a maximum of three years.”Gopaulsingh stated that in April 2025, she was advised by Eddy that Cabinet had taken a decision to extend all 336 core contracts for an additional three years.
She described it as a “major policy decision” involving an estimated $1.4 billion Government expenditure. According to her affidavit, Eddy told her he had discussed the matter with Edwards and was confident that Cabinet’s approval had been granted.The Express sent questions to Al-Rawi yesterday but there was no immediate response.
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