THA update on the disbursement of funds intended for Virgin Atlantic Airlines.
Chief Secretary Kelvin Charles wishes to update the public on action taken at the Division of Tourism, Culture and Transportation regarding monies deposited into an incorrect bank account which were intended for Virgin Atlantic Airlines for payment of airlift arrangements.
This matter was reported to the Fraud Squad of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and this unit has since commenced its investigation. The Chief Administrator is in receipt of reports from all relevant employees at the division and owing to the seriousness and sever ity of this matter, the Chief Administrator has commenced disciplina ry action against four (4) persons from the Division.
Of the four (4) persons involved, two (2) of these persons are public officers. One (1) other person is employed on contract and the other is employed on a month to month basis. The two (2) persons employed on contract and on a month to month basis have been asked in the public’s interest, to cease reporting for duty with immediate effect. With regards to the public officers, the matter has been referred to the Public Service Commission for appropriate disciplinary action. It must be noted that until advised by the Public Service Commission the two public officers remain on duty at the Division of Tourism,Culture and Transportation.
The Chief Secretary is assuring members of the public that the Tobago House of Assembly is working assiduously in conjunction with the Fraud Squad of the TTPS to ensure that this case is resolved in the shortest possible time and also indicates that due process must be observed. The Chief Secretary takes this opportunity to encourage all officers of the Tobago House of Assembly to carry out their duties with pride, vigilance and honesty at all times.
