Government officials fired for corruption

The four-member board of the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (Udecott) has been fired by the Trinidad and Tobago government following investigations into corruption.

Udecott is the state agency responsible for public construction projects and the board members stand accused of inappropriate and potentially corrupt practices. Attorney General John Jeremie said the board members and senior staff at Udecott could now face criminal investigations.

A report on Udecott's contract awards cited several examples that concerned the investigation panel. These included documents relating the US$ 139 million contract for the construction of the Ministry of Legal Affairs Towers, which were sent and received from the personal fax machine of the agency's previous chairman Calder Hart.

The panel also questioned why the cost for construction of a sports stadium and academy had increased from US$ 46 million to US$ 116 million. The stadium, which was scheduled to host the Cricket World Cup in 2007, is yet to be completed.

Prime Minister Patrick Manning has faced criticism over the awards of construction contracts, particularly after he fired a senior cabinet minister who questioned Udecott practices. The Prime Minister had rigorously defended Mr Hart, but he appointed the investigative panel after opposition parties produced information in parliament about suspected corruption at the agency.