Trinidad Minister Criticizes Appointment of Foreign CEO at WASA, Citing Financial Mismanagement and Job Security Concerns

The political landscape of Trinidad and Tobago has been ignited by a fiery controversy surrounding the former People’s National Movement (PNM) administration’s handling of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and its ambitious, yet ultimately ill-fated, Transformation Plan. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath has launched a scathing attack on the PNM, accusing them of reckless mismanagement and prioritizing foreign consultants over the interests of Trinidadian workers. Central to this controversy is the appointment of Keithroy Halliday, a St. Kitts-Nevis national, as WASA’s CEO, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism and raised questions about the PNM’s judgment and priorities.

Padarath’s critique centers on the alleged exorbitant cost of the transformation plan, estimated at $13.4 million, which he claims yielded no tangible results and threatened the livelihoods of 2,500 WASA employees. He condemned the allocation of substantial funds to consultants, particularly foreign advisors, with minimal oversight and questionable outcomes. The minister highlighted specific instances of what he deemed financial imprudence, including $1.8 million paid to the head of the transformation project without established performance targets and over $1 million in legal fees accrued within a single year. These expenditures, Padarath argued, represent a gross misuse of public funds and a betrayal of the public trust.

The appointment of Halliday, who previously held the position of General Manager at the Barbados Water Authority (BWA), has become a focal point of the controversy. Padarath questioned Halliday’s qualifications and suitability for the role, characterizing him as a “failed CEO from Barbados” and casting doubt on his purported successes at the BWA. The minister criticized the PNM’s decision to recruit a foreign national for such a critical position, suggesting a lack of faith in local talent and a disregard for the interests of Trinidadian workers. The delayed commencement of Halliday’s tenure, with a one-month deferral between his announced appointment and his official start date, further fueled speculation and added to the aura of mystery surrounding his appointment.

The minister’s accusations paint a picture of a poorly conceived and executed transformation plan, characterized by a lack of transparency, accountability, and measurable objectives. He argued that the plan, rather than addressing the fundamental issues plaguing WASA, served as a vehicle for enriching consultants and jeopardizing the jobs of thousands of Trinidadian workers. Padarath defended the current government’s decision to scrap the plan entirely, portraying it as a necessary step to protect both jobs and public finances. This decisive action, he argued, demonstrates the government’s commitment to responsible fiscal management and its prioritization of the welfare of its citizens.

The controversy surrounding Halliday’s appointment extends beyond the financial implications of the transformation plan, touching on broader concerns about national identity and the perceived prioritization of foreign expertise over local talent. Padarath framed the appointment as symbolic of the PNM’s disregard for Trinidadian workers and their failure to prioritize national interests. This narrative resonates with anxieties about globalization and the potential displacement of local workers by foreign professionals, a sentiment likely to be amplified in the run-up to the general election. The controversy has also sparked debate about the practice of “parachuting” executives into top positions within Caribbean public sector organizations, raising questions about the effectiveness of such appointments and the potential for cultural clashes and mismatched expectations.

The fallout from this controversy has been significant, with the Halliday appointment becoming a lightning rod for criticism directed at the former PNM administration. The accusations of mismanagement and misplaced priorities have the potential to significantly impact the PNM’s standing in the upcoming general election. Halliday, for his part, has yet to publicly respond to the allegations levelled against him, leaving a void that has been filled with speculation and conjecture. The unfolding scandal has captured public attention in both Trinidad and Tobago and St. Kitts and Nevis, raising important questions about transparency, accountability, and the role of foreign expertise in the Caribbean public sector. The controversy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of sound governance, prudent financial management, and the prioritization of national interests in the pursuit of public sector reform.