The government on Friday declined to respond to two urgent Opposition questions on the dismissal of Central Bank Governor Dr Alvin Hilaire and the termination of senior executives at the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), invoking public interest provisions in the Standing Orders.
The questions fell under the section Notice of Urgent Questions, which the Speaker had approved under Standing Order 27.
The first question came from Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert, who asked Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, "Can the Minister provide the reasons for the termination of the appointment of Dr.
Alvin Hilaire as Governor of the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago? "
Tancoo rose and said, “Thank you, Mister Speaker. Mister Speaker, I refer your attention to Standing Order 27(1)(g) as it relates to this question.”
Speaker of the House Jagdeo Singh then clarified the provision, which allows a minister to decline to answer if, in their opinion, publishing the response would be contrary to the public interest.
A second question came from Arouca/Maloney MP Marvin Gonzales, who asked Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath, In light of the confirmation by the Board of Commissioners of Water and Sewerage
Authority (WASA) of the immediate termination of nine executive officers of WASA, can the Minister indicate the reasons for the termination?"
Padarath also declined to answer, invoking the same standing order.
Opposition did not challenge either refusal. No points of order were raised, there were no supplemental questions, and no desk-thumping followed the responses.
Dr Hilaire was ousted after reportedly refusing government pressure to reveal top users of foreign exchange. Halliday and nine executives were dismissed as part of a shake-up to reverse the previous administration’s WASA transformation plan, with Acting CEO Jeevan Joseph appointed.
There was no post-cabinet briefing on Thursday leaving the public with little official explanation.