Trinidadian former minister awaits Australian response re naval vessel purchase funded by EFIC

(Trinidad & Tobago Newsday, Port of Spain, 15 August 2018) Former minister Devant Maharaj today said he is still waiting for a reply from the Australian government about concerns he has about alleged corruption in the procurement of two naval vessels for the Coast Guard. Maharaj told Newsday he sent correspondence to Australian Attorney General Christian Porter outlining his concerns by e-mail and a hard copy of his letter was delivered to the Australian High Commission in St Clair as well. Maharaj insisted six fast patrol boats acquired from Austalia under the former administration were not suited for TT's waters. Trinidad's National Security Minister Stuart Young said the purchase of 12 Damen naval vessels by the former government prior to the September 2015 general elections is now under international criminal investigation, and attacked Maharaj's allegations of corruption. Funding for the procurement of the vessels was to come through the Export Credit Agency of Australia.