PNM Govt okays $67.8m rental for four buildings

Weeks before the May 24 general election, Cabinet agreed to the lease and rental of four buildings for one of its ministries at a cost of $67,800,000, exclusive of VAT. The accommodation—two buildings, a warehouse and office space—was to house the Ministry of National Security, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union. Documents obtained by the T&T Guardian from the Ministry of Public Administration stated on February 11, April 1, and May 20, Cabinet agreed to the lease and rental of the buildings.

At a high sum of $800,000 the TTPS was allowed to occupy approximately 137,898 square feet of floor area at Aranguez Estates, with parking for 226 vehicles, one document stated. The space was to be leased/rented for five years. Air-conditioned warehouse space in building number one, located at 2 Tumpuna Park, Arima, to accommodate the Ministry of National Security at a monthly rent of $95,000 for three years was agreed by Cabinet by Minute No 1262 of May 20.

On April 1 Cabinet agreed to the lease/rental of office space, at 141 Long Circular Road, Maraval, for a period of three years at a cost of $65,000 a month. And the fourth building which Cabinet agreed to lease/rent, also on May 20, is located at 65 Maracas Royal Road, Maracas, St Joseph, to house the TTPS.
The building is owned by Mc Eachrane’s Rental and Transport Service. At a cost of $39,000 a month it was agreed to be leased/rented for three years. The documents did not state the date of occupation of the buildings but said the terms and conditions were to be negotiated between the parties.

Total
• 141 Long Circular Road— $2,340,000, plus $351,000 VAT —$2,691,000;
• 2 Tumpuna Park– $3,420,000, plus $513,000 VAT,— $3,933,000
• 65 Maracas Royal Road—$14,040,000, plus $210,600 VAT —$14,250,600
• Aranguez Estates— $48,000,000. plus $7,200,000 VAT—$55,200,000

Total cost: $72,534,600