Ashton Ford in line for CEPEP job

FORMER Arima mayor and general secretary of the People’s National Movement (PNM) Ashton Ford was silent yesterday on talk that he was in line to be the chairman of the Community-based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (Cepep).

Ford resigned as general secretary in February 2017. His journey from the PNM Youth League in 1968 to serving as mayor and MP for Arima, among other portfolios, to his last position as general secretary gives him 50 years service in the PNM.

A senior Government source yesterday did not want to confirm that Ford was being touted for the position, saying any confirmation would be made during tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting

“When Cabinet meets and his name is projected, it would be discussed. The nomination was done by the Ministry of Finance although it (Cepep) falls under the Ministry of Local Government. The projection would only be done through Cabinet approval where they would have their say around the table,” the source said.

When contacted yesterday evening about the possible appointment, Ford advised Newsday to contact Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein. “I have not received anything official as yet. I have heard talk, but I don’t want to comment on anything at all. There have been discussions and I don’t want to go against any discussions we have had,” Ford said.

He however admitted holding discussions with Government officials on the Cepep position. Contacted for comment, Minister Hosein said he could not confirm if Ford was being considered for the job.