PNM Cummings’ HDC property deals under scrutiny

PNM Cummings’ HDC property deals under scrutiny

Last Sunday, Guardian Media’s Investigations Desk revealed that five companies linked to former People’s National Movement (PNM) minister and current Opposition Senator Foster Cummings received more than $100 million in state contracts from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (Udecott) between 2015 and 2025.Now, further investigation has uncovered a property transaction during COVID-19 involving the Cummings family. The deal raises questions about the HDC’s due diligence under the PNM administration, particularly in allocating properties intended for low-income families.

Juliet Cummings, the wife of PNM General Secretary Foster Cummings, purchased a Housing Development Corporation (HDC) property (land) from a relative for $100,000.A three-storey structure was later observed on the Balisier Avenue, Couva, site. This, according to documents seen by Guardian Media’s Investigations Desk, is at odds with HDC regulations and Town and Country Planning approvals, where only a residential building was permitted.The property (land) was purchased from a relative, Mariah Salazar, who is also a former director of a company owned by Juliet Cummings. Salazar had brought the property under a lease-purchase agreement with HDC for $51,640 in 2017. In 2021, it was sold to Cummings for $100,000—only 15 per cent of its $670,000 valuation, as assessed by surveyor Charles Lawrence.While the HDC had a contractual option to repurchase the property from Salazar, which would maximise a return on investment for the State company, the corporation did not exercise this option.Today, a commercial building stands on the site, where the Cummings family already owns multiple properties, despite approvals saying a residential building ought to be constructed.

Apart from 429 Balisier Avenue, the HDC confirmed that it permitted Rivulet Investment Group Limited, owned by the Cummings family, and Foster Cummings to acquire two other properties: a $4.5 million Victoria Keyes Apartment (Cabinet valuation) for Rivulet Investments Limited and land valued at $750,000 for Number 73, Balisier Avenue, Couva South Housing Project for Foster Cummings in January 2015.When Guardian Media visited 429 Balisier Drive, we observed a modern commercial building with large glass window panes. Inside, the property was an office space with multiple ceiling lights and ceiling tiles installed. It takes up the entirety of that corner of Balisier Street and the Southern Main Road.Located right next door is a large, luxurious house with a lavish driveway and front gate, as well as an elaborately constructed porch overlooking the area.

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According to Guardian Media’s Investigations Desk research, there are two businesses registered to that Aneisa Street property: Modeste Auto Rentals and Isadore Exclusive. Both businesses are registered to Juliet Modeste, the maiden name of Juliet Cummings.In compliance with the Integrity in Public Life Act, Foster Cummings has declared his assets since entering public office. His holdings grew over time—he declared nine properties in 2018/2019 and two more in 2020, a total of 12 by 2021.

Those properties include land in Fabien Street, Gasparillo; Gurahoo Trace, Chase Village, Chaguanas; Lighthouse Avenue, Signal Hill, Tobago; Exchange Estate, Couva; Indian Trail, Couva; Lisas Gardens housing project, Couva; and Sherwood Park, Carnbee, Tobago.He also has land and buildings in Southern Main Road, Couva; Aneisa Street, Point Lisas; Rawlins Avenue, Gasparillo; and Balisier Avenue, Lisas Gardens, Couva. In 2019, a leaked Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Special Branch report, confirmed by the TTPS to be legitimate, alleged that Foster Cummings claimed three parcels of land belonging to the HDC as his own.The report, confirmed by the TTPS to be legitimate, alleged that he conducted unscrupulous business using two companies: Kyldon and Pical, allegedly using his influence to subcontract services through the HDC.Cummings sued Lutchmedial for defamation after she raised allegations related to the leaked Special Branch report, accusing her of painting him in a negative light. He also sued the State in relation to this matter.

Guardian Media’s Investigations Desk also confirmed that Foster Cummings dropped his two defamation lawsuits against the former UNC senator.As part of withdrawing the case, the former government minister agreed to cover all Lutchmedial’s legal costs. Lutchmedial’s legal team was led by Anand Ramlogan, SC.Asked about the allegations in May 2022, former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley said he saw nothing to confirm the claims.

Cummings’ Response

Cummings was asked if he or his wife acquired 492 Balisier Drive, and whether he was aware that the property was valued at $670,000.We also asked him whether he sees any reason why it may be considered strange that a HDC property was sold to his wife by her relative for well below its value, considering the HDC had first refusal on the property.On September 12, at a press conference held by the Opposition, Cummings, referring to questions sent by Guardian Media’s Investigations Desk, said, “Any parcel of land owned by myself or my family, either in Trinidad or Tobago, has been legally acquired and legal procedures properly followed, as with any other citizen acquiring property in this country. I have never been involved in squatting on any lands whatsoever, whether public or private.

On September 11, Cummings told this reporter, “You have an objective. You are trying to paint me as a corrupt politician. What are the facts? Why are you not reporting on other businesspeople in this country? Do you have a problem with businessmen of a certain ilk? Joshua, I will not be helping you defame me and my family. You print what you want, and at the appropriate time, I will respond.”

Guardian Media’s Investigations Desk reached out to Juliet Cummings via her Facebook account, which is listed as Juliet Modeste. She saw the message but subsequently blocked the reporter on Messenger.

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