Security Firms Say WASA Made Partial Payment

The Full Story

The Trinidad and Tobago Private Security Association has been seeking settlement of what it says was TT$75 million owed to 13 companies providing security services to WASA. Its spokesperson, Raquel-Ann Uzoemeka, told the Guardian that the arrears had built up over three years and that firms were struggling to meet their obligations to workers.

Sources: Trinidad Guardian, 30 Oct, page5 and original web report ↗

The association says a payment was made on 16 October, after warnings that firms could not guarantee staff would continue reporting for duty without payment. The Guardian’s 30 October account does not disclose how much WASA paid.

Sources: Trinidad Guardian, 30 Oct, page5 and original web report ↗

In a statement issued on Wednesday 28 October, the association acknowledged the payment but said it did not adequately address the arrears. It asked Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath and WASA’s board for discussions on a structured repayment arrangement, alongside timely payment of current invoices.

Sources: Trinidad Guardian, 30 Oct, page5 and original web report ↗

Uzoemeka said the 13 companies had agreed not to disclose the amount received. Guardian Media reported that it had not received a response from Padarath by its deadline. Luk It Hyah has not obtained WASA’s payment ledger or a new official repayment schedule; neither a full settlement nor a precise remaining balance is established.

Sources: Trinidad Guardian, 30 Oct, page5 and original web report ↗