CEPEP has responded to a newspaper article which claimed there is a gang war for its contracts.

In a statement, it insists that it does not engage gangs and condemns all gang violence.

CEPEP says there are currently 340 contractors operating across Trinidad.

Regarding those hired, it says there is a stringent set of criteria for pre-qualification, including a Valid Police Certificate of Character for all Company Directors and Contractors

It also insists that work is not sub-contracted, saying instead that sub-contracting work is actually cause for immediate termination from the programme.

CEPEP also says that all applications for Core Contractors must be from Limited Liability Companies.

Information on these companies is available to the public and can be accessed from the Companies Registry at the Legal Affairs Ministry.