Govt to pay $55m in rent over 5 years
Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2010 2:31 am
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Four properties were rented by the Government before and after the general election for up to five years, at a total cost of some $55 million. This has prompted political and social activist Devant Maharaj, who made the discovery, to question the wisdom of signing such costly contracts in the midst of a general election. The Ministry of Public Administration confirmed two of the office space lease-rentals on May 20, a third on May 26 and the fourth on May 27. The general election was held on May 24. Maharaj recalled that then Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who was elected Prime Minister, had recommended there be no business dealings involving the public purse amid the election.
“I am not questioning the propriety of the contracts,” Maharaj stated yesterday, “but the timing, especially in light of the fact that there was a regime change.” The major office lease-rental would cost taxpayers $48 million over the next five years.
Four properties were rented by the Government before and after the general election for up to five years, at a total cost of some $55 million. This has prompted political and social activist Devant Maharaj, who made the discovery, to question the wisdom of signing such costly contracts in the midst of a general election. The Ministry of Public Administration confirmed two of the office space lease-rentals on May 20, a third on May 26 and the fourth on May 27. The general election was held on May 24. Maharaj recalled that then Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who was elected Prime Minister, had recommended there be no business dealings involving the public purse amid the election.
“I am not questioning the propriety of the contracts,” Maharaj stated yesterday, “but the timing, especially in light of the fact that there was a regime change.” The major office lease-rental would cost taxpayers $48 million over the next five years.