Former Public Administration Minister Allyson West is rejecting claims that White Hall is “unfit for use”.

Yesterday, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Barry Padarath, said the building contained mould and experienced flooding issues, which prevented parts of it from being used.

In a statement, Ms West insists the building remains structurally sound, safe, and fully operational, except for sections of the basement level occupied by the Cabinet Secretariat.

She adds that since 2019, it was used by both Dr. Keith Rowley and Stuart Young, while also hosting weekly Cabinet meetings and meetings of Cabinet sub-committees.

Regarding the current set of repairs, she said part her Ministry’s standard building maintenance protocols saw a technical assessment to examine issues in the basement area following reports of leaks and drainage challenges during the 2024 rainy season.

She adds that the findings were specific to that area alone and required the following work:

– Basement waterproofing and plumbing
– Emergency egress and access points for deliveries
– Drainage at the pedestrian access used by Cabinet Office staff
– Routine cleaning and window maintenance in the affected area

According to Ms West, the estimated cost of the recommended works was TT$4.5 million inclusive of contingencies, and falls within the scope of normal building upkeep for a restored structure of this nature.

UDECOTT, in accordance with its Maintenance Agreement with the Office of the Prime Minister, was commissioned to undertake the required repair works.

Ms West added, “It may well be that the real issue is the inability of the Cabinet meeting room, which comfortably accommodated the Rowley and Young Cabinets, to accommodate the current Cabinet. It is important that public discourse on matters of national interest be grounded in fact and context. The Government of which I was a part was fully committed to the preservation, upkeep, and proper use of our historical assets, including Whitehall, and our actions were consistent with that commitment.”

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