(Trinidad Express) The Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute (TTTI) yesterday called on Government to explain the process by which TT$55 million was given as a gift to Christian Churches during the Christmas of 2014. The TTI said the Government should disclosed the list of beneficiaries, and amounts received. The following is the statement of the TTTI –
Having noted from reports in the media that Cabinet has approved the allocation of $55M as a gift to Christian churches in Trinidad and Tobago in celebration of Christmas 2014, in an effort to ensure transparency and integrity in the country’s financial affairs Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute (Trans-parency) has requested Government to clarify the following issues and make the responses public without delay:
- What are the criteria for determining how each church is selected and on what basis is the quantum being allocated for each church?
- Is there a system for recording the amounts that have been disbursed and the beneficiaries of these sums?
- Is there a documented, public process whereby the churches can access the funds?
- Are there restrictions with regard to the use of the funds?
Transparency has recommended that the answers to these questions be placed in the public domain and also that a full list of the beneficiaries and the amounts received by them be published.
