Dennis accuses Farley of covering up misconduct

Tobago Correspondent

PNM Tobago Council Political Leader Ancil Dennis has accused Chief Secretary Farley Augustine of covering up what he described as corruption and misconduct by Infrastructure, Quarries and Urban Development Secretary Trevor James.

Speaking at a political meeting on Sunday night, Dennis claimed that Augustine continually defends James whenever controversy arises.

Dennis criticised Augustine’s repeated defence of James, saying, “Our Chief Secretary has turned into the ‘Allyuh too wicked lady,’ saying, ‘Leave them alone, they didn’t do anything.’ That was exactly what he did in a press conference with Trevor James, telling people, ‘Leave Trevor alone, allyuh too wicked.’”

Last month, James found himself in legal trouble when police and licensing officers executed a search warrant at his home. It was based on an application made by Corporal Makeal Seechan, of the Intelligence and Investigations Unit.

At a media conference after the search, James vowed to take legal action and said he would take his fight to the polls in the upcoming general election. Augustine then accused the PNM of having a hand in the search, saying a political storm was brewing.

On Sunday, however, Dennis questioned Augustine’s knowledge of James’ situation, saying, “Can you imagine a secretary landing in hot water? The Chief Secretary doesn’t know what he did, I don’t know what he did, but the police do. Yet, Farley tells everyone, ‘Leave Trevor alone, he’s a good boy, he never did anything.’”

Without going into detail, Dennis hinted that there was a reason Augustine continued to support James.

He said, “He dares not touch Trevor James. One of these days, I’ll tell you why. No matter what he does, he cannot touch Trevor James.”

Dennis also referred to a court case involving the Friendship Connection Road project. In March, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) faced a third injunction over the project for unlawfully entering private property to construct the road. Despite the matter being before the court, Dennis said James went ahead and began construction.

“He pretended not to know, went ahead and built the road. Now the matter is before the court, and he’s angry because the judiciary set the trial date for next year. He says, ‘The judiciary is PNM,’ as if you can break the law, do as you please, and tell the judiciary when to try your case.”

Dennis also brought up another controversy involving James, this time regarding a private flight.

Last October, James chartered a private aircraft to return from Martinique after attending a conference due to a disruption in regular flights created by Tropical Storm Tammy. The flight reportedly cost between US$5,000 to $9,000. James, along with another THA official and two employees of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) attended the conference. The Civil Aviation Authority raised concerns since the aircraft did not have authorisation for commercial travel.

However, James claimed he privately arranged and funded the flight using his “wide and deep” connections. Augustine later clarified that the THA would not bear the cost of the flight.

Meanwhile, the THA has 14 days to respond to a pre-action protocol letter concerning the Eco-Industrial Development Company of Tobago (E-IDCOT). Last month, PNM Tobago Council member Kelvon Morris called on Augustine to intervene before legal action is taken against E-IDCOT, accusing the company of lacking transparency in handling the Manta Lodge Hotel and Dive Centre project.

Morris said E-IDCOT refused to disclose procurement information after a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, claiming it is not a public authority subject to the FOIA.

At the PNM meeting, Morris said, “I am pleased to wave at this time a pre-action letter that will ensure that if they do not respond within 14 days, this matter will be adjudicated in the courts of law.”

Morris criticised the company’s refusal to account, arguing that since E-IDCOT manages public funds and assets, it should be held accountable. He warned that inaction by the THA would imply approval of E-IDCOT’s stance. The hotel officially opened yesterday.

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