Al-Rawi Responds to CEPEP Allegations Amid Ongoing Legal Proceedings

Faris Al-Rawi, the former minister of Rural Development and Local Government, has responded to allegations linked to the Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP). He claims that the circulating information is designed to mislead the public. The allegations, brought forth by CEPEP CEO Keith Eddy, assert that Al-Rawi pressured Eddy to approve the renewal of contractor contracts without necessary Cabinet approval shortly before the April 28 General Election. The United National Congress (UNC) has taken interest in these claims, with Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath urging Al-Rawi to clarify the situation. Padarath emphasized the responsibility of governmental officials to disclose whether any member of the People’s National Movement (PNM) pressured CEPEP’s CEO regarding the contracts. Al-Rawi’s silence on the matter has been noted, and he has been advised to address the allegations promptly. In response, Al-Rawi advised against politicizing ongoing court proceedings, stating that releasing untested affidavit evidence and demanding public commentary is inappropriate. He expressed concern about the potential impact on the litigation affecting over 11,000 CEPEP workers. Al-Rawi criticized the public discussion of the allegations as detrimental to the legal process and accused the UNC of manipulating information to distort public perception. He also questioned Padarath’s motives, suggesting that the minister has personal political interests at stake. In June, CEPEP terminated the contracts of over 300 contractors, impacting around 10,000 workers, following allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The PNM is currently in a legal battle regarding the contract dismissals. Meanwhile, Padarath announced that the full CEPEP Board will be revealed shortly and confirmed that payments are being processed for those terminated contractors.