FOIAs filed on body cams, wooden ladders

POLITICAL and social activist Ravi Balgobin Maharaj has initiated a slew of freedom of information requests relating to the purchase of 20 wooden ladders by the fire service (TTFS) for just under $1 million.

His requests were sent to the Chief Fire Officer, the Director of Personnel Administration (DPA) and the Ministry of National Security on January 27.

He wants detailed information such as investigative reports, committee member details, terms of reference, procurement advertisements, bid evaluations, disciplinary actions, investigation timelines, interview records, site visit logs, and cost breakdowns.

Maharaj’s letters said the controversy surrounding the procurement of wooden ladders, deemed unsuitable for operational use, for the fire service, “has brought to light significant questions and public outrage concerning resource allocation and decision-making within the TTFS.”

Maharaj pointed to investigations initiated by the Integrity Commission and the Auditor General’s Department into the procurement, saying nearly a year later, no updates or findings were made public.

“This prolonged silence is deeply concerning to our client, who, like many citizens, expected timely and transparent communication about such a significant matter.”

Maharaj referred to the deaths of the Minister in the Ministry of Education, Lisa Morris-Julian, and her two children in a devastating fire at their Arima home in December, saying concerns about the TTFS’s ability to respond to emergencies promoted an immediate investigation by the Government.

Maharaj’s attorneys said this incident “reminded” him of the “lingering controversy” surrounding the ladders.

“The need for an efficient and well-equipped fire service cannot be overstated.

“The procurement process for the ladders raises serious concerns about the potential misuse of public funds.

“Withholding information related to the investigation impedes public understanding of the root causes of these failures and hinders corrective measures that could prevent future tragedies.”

The agencies were given 30 days to respond.

Maharaj is represented by Freedom Law Chambers led by Anand Ramlogan, SC.

Maharaj also sent a request to the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Sport and Community Development for information on the Sangre Grande community swimming pool.

He wants a breakdown of the money spent on the pool since its closure in 2021, including salaries, maintenance and security; reports on the prolonged closure, repair work, and estimates for repairs. He also wants tender documents and any related information.

Maharaj’s lawyers rubbished a claim by the ministry that disclosure would prejudice commercial interests since tender processes involve transparency and are subject to scrutiny “especially in public funded projects.”

“The ministry has not identified any specific components of the requested documents that constitute trade secrets or are proprietary in nature.”

FOIA request for police body cams

Freedom Law Chambers also sent a separate FOIA request to the Office of the Commissioner of Police on alleged police misconduct and the procurement of body cameras for officers on behalf of Anthony Dopson, a branch secretary of the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union and social activist.

“The public has been clamouring for police officers of the TTPS to wear body-worn cameras (BWCs) for quite some time in an effort to deter instances of abuse of police power and police brutality.

“Globally, BWCs have proven to be an effective tool for promoting transparency, accountability, and professionalism within police forces.”

The letter cited several studies on the effectiveness of body cameras.

“It is indisputable therefore that the implementation of BWCs by police officers would bring immense benefits to the TTPS due to its potential to improve officer conduct, deter misconduct, and even provide critical evidence during investigations.”

Dopson wants copies of the contract and final award to Diamond Systems and Supplies Ltd for 3,000 body cameras and accessories at $24,965,310; records on the status of the $24 million award to Diamond Systems and correspondence between the parties as well as copies of any other contract for body cameras.

Dopson also wants information on other body cameras purchased for the police.