PM: No minister's relative in Udecott loan

PRIME Minister Dr Keith Rowley says he is not aware of any relative of a Cabinet minister being involved in negotiation of a loan agreement involving Udecott and NCB.

He was responding to questions yesterday from Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal on whether Udecott borrowed $180,300,000 from NCB Global Finance Ltd and Sagicor Life Inc in November 2018 and for what purpose.

Rowley said pursuant to a mandate received from the Finance Ministry on October 5, 2018, Udecott proceeded to enter into a loan agreement with NCB Global Finance Ltd and Sagicor Life Inc for the repayment of an existing short-term facility.

This loan was regarding phase two of a project for design, construction and completion of an addition to the Chancery Lane office as an extension of the San Fernando General Hospital commonly called the San Fernando Teaching Hospital.

Moonilal asked if Rowley was aware any relative of a Cabinet minister was involved in the negotiation involving NCB.

Rowley responded: "Not that I am aware of. What I am aware of is that the loan that is incurring is a loan that he (Moonilal) as a member of cabinet incurred."

He added: "It was borrowed to a pay a debt that he incurred in cabinet. And...as to who is cousin to who I don't know anything about that."