Dennis: Chief Sec's failure to declare assets a 'red flag'

WHAT is he hiding?

This was PNM Tobago Council political leader Ancil Dennis’ response to the news that Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has been ordered by the High Court to file his declaration of assets, income, liabilities and interests for the year 2023, in keeping with the Integrity in Public Life Act.

Augustine has 30 days from the date the order is served to comply.

Justice Frank Seepersad issued the order on July 7, after an application by the Integrity Commission. Augustine must also pay $1,500 in legal costs to the commission.

In a post on his Facebook page, Dennis said Augustine’s action constituted “a betrayal of public trust.”

He said, “Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has failed to declare his assets to the Integrity Commission, a clear violation of the law and a betrayal of public trust. Every public official is legally bound to declare their income, assets and liabilities as I have done on time, every time while in public office.”

Dennis, a former chief secretary, said Augustine’s refusal to declare his assets “raises serious red flags and it is absolutely shameful that the high court had to instruct him to comply with such a basic lawful requirement.”

Under the Integrity In Public Life Act, all public officials, including assemblymen, must file annual declarations with the Integrity Commission. These declarations include a statement of all income, assets, liabilities, and any other interests for the previous year.

The commission said Augustine did not file his 2023 declaration and his name was listed in a public notice in both a daily newspaper and the Trinidad and Tobago Gazette in November 2024.

He was reminded of his obligation in writing several times, including in a letter sent after he became a member of the Tobago House of Assembly in January 2017. He was again reminded in 2024.

The law states that if a person in public life does not submit these documents without a valid reason, the commission can take the matter to court. Augustine could face a fine of up to $150,000 if he does not follow the court’s order.

Augustine can apply to change or cancel the order but must do so within seven days of receiving it.

The order was granted ex-parte without a hearing.