Gonzales: No $2m increase in rent for Public Utilities

PUBLIC Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales dismissed claims from Naparima MP Rodney Charles of a $2 million increase in rent at facilities occupied by the ministry.

Gonzales’ rejection of Charles’ claims came before the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives approved a $1,944,382,285 allocation for the ministry.

He explained the ministry currently rents four properties, one of which is 3 Alexandra Place in St Clair,  its headquarters. Gonzales said the Public Administration Ministry’s property and real estate division (PRESD) is in talks with the landlords of these properties about the rent arrangements.

He said the ministry has advised the division that “our intention is to have the annual rental figure reduced significantly.” Charles claimed this was not so and there was a $2 million increase in rent at these properties.

Gonzales explained this figure was allocated to deal with outstanding rent from last year. "It is not an increase moving forward, it is to cover outstanding sums.” Charles refused to accept Gonzales’ explanation, insisting that the ministry should have budgeted for a decline in rent.

Leader of Government Business Camille Robinson-Regis explained, ”May I indicate, there is not really a decline or a decrease or an increase, because the actual  rent for 2019 was $8,383,247. The estimate for 2021 was $8,256,000.

“We have said this before, That is how it works. So if there is going to be a decline at all, it is not already done. So you have to estimate for what you have paid previously. So you wouldn’t put a lesser figure here.” She added Charles was aware of this.

In response to a question from Barataria/San Juan MP Saddam Hosein, Gonzales said the ministry’s lease at 3 Alexandra Place expired on July 31, PRESD is speaking with its owners and the ministry is occupying the building on a month-to-month arrangement.

Gonzales said the ministry is not taking an active role in the negotiations and he did not know when they would be completed.

Hosein asked, “Do you know who the landlord is?”

Gonzales replied, “No.”

Hosein asked, “Are you aware that it is someone from the Cabinet?”

His remark prompted Robinson-Regis to interject. “Where are we going with this? Everybody knows.” Hosein countered, “Everybody knows? So everybody is aware that he is collected $23 million? I’m glad to know that.”

Deputy Speaker Esmond Forde intervened, directing Robinson-Regis and Hosein to discontinue their argument.