A High Court judge has referred the extension of more than 300 CEPEP contracts, allegedly approved by the company's former board without proper authorisation, to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Justice Margaret Mohammed made the order on August 7. She also stayed a lawsuit filed by a Laventille-based contractor challenging the termination of its contract with the CEPEP Company, citing a dispute resolution clause in the agreement, Clause 17, which she said must be followed before court action is taken.

“The action is stayed as Clause 17 expressly provides a clear mechanism for the claimant to engage with the defendant to resolve its disputes,” Mohammed said.