Radhica De Silva
Hundreds of CEPEP contracts were terminated on Friday, just days after the Government announced plans for a full audit of CEPEP's assets, contracts, and operations.
Audits had not been conducted since 2020, and the Government claimed more than 360 CEPEP contracts were signed on the eve of the general election.
The termination left over 10,000 workers unemployed and triggered criticism from Opposition MPs within hours of the announcement.
In a letter obtained by Guardian Media, Chief Executive Officer Keith Eddy confirmed the termination, stating that the agreement dated 21 March 2023 was being ended with immediate effect. He said contractors would receive one month’s pay in lieu of notice and were instructed to return company property within seven days.
In a Facebook post, San Fernando East MP Brian Manning expressed concern, stating:
“It is with great sadness that I learned today of the termination of employment of CEPEP contractors, as well as those who have found temporary relief from this programme.”
He continued:
“To the hardworking citizens who were terminated today as part of broad changes made by the new administration to the CEPEP programme, I’d like to personally express my thanks to you. I share your concerns and I am here to defend your interests.”
Meanwhile, Diego Martin Central MP Symone De Nobriega expressed sympathy for the contractors.
“This move has effectively put over 10,500 men and women out of work. Fathers, mothers, single parents, and breadwinners are now left without a source of income. This is political retribution being meted out to those perceived to be supporters of the PNM.”
De Nobriega also referenced a recent statement in Parliament by Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen, who said “real workers” had nothing to fear—remarks De Nobriega described as a veiled threat.
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne also criticised the decision, calling it abrupt and warning that it would
“negatively affect communities across our nation.”
He added:
“This is not a win for Trinidad and Tobago.”
At CEPEP’s headquarters in Ste. Madeleine, contractors received their official letters.
Last week, Ameen raised concerns about CEPEP’s operations. She revealed that of the $60 million allocated to CEPEP, $3.5 million was used to lease an unused building allegedly tied to a relative of a former senior minister. She further claimed that over 360 contracts were renewed just days before the 28 April general election—without Cabinet approval.
Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath supported the audit, stating that CEPEP under the previous administration had become a “runaway horse” and a base for political loyalty. He claimed some contractors earned up to $50,000 monthly and said the programme had not filed audited accounts since 2020, despite receiving hundreds of millions in annual funding.
Legal Affairs Minister Saddam Hosein raised further issues related to the National Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme, alleging that contracts were backdated, improperly signed, or missing documentation.