Gonzales Seeks Criminal Probe as TSTT Report Flags Governance Failures

Opposition MP Marvin Gonzales has called for a criminal probe into former acting TSTT CEO Keino Cox and others, while urging the removal of director Randy Ramtahal over alleged involvement in a $49 million sole-select contract with Hummingbird Holdings Ltd. He said an independent investigation found possible governance, procurement and conflict-of-interest failures at the State-owned telecoms company.

Opposition MP Marvin Gonzales has called for a criminal probe into former TSTT chief executive Keino Cox and others over alleged corruption, and urged that director Randy Ramtahal be removed while a $49 million sole-select contract to Hummingbird Holdings is investigated. He said an independent review found serious governance and procurement failures at TSTT, and also questioned a separate $4.4 billion WiPay contract involving the National Payment Company.

Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath defended the Government’s handling of allegations against former TSTT chief executive Keino Cox, saying the company’s board addressed the matter when concerns arose and that no one is being protected. He also alleged that TSTT’s acquisition of Amplia under the former PNM administration was done without a valuation and left the company exposed by more than $500 million.

PNM chief whip Marvin Gonzales called for criminal investigations into former TSTT CEO Keino Cox and NCRHA chairman Dr Tim Gopeesingh over procurement and governance concerns, and urged the Office of the Prime Minister to explain the rehiring of a fired TTT auditor. He also warned taxpayers could face hundreds of millions in compensation claims linked to state-enterprise dismissals and contracts, including TSTT and Wipay.