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UDeCOTT: Internet Pictures of the PM’s Residence and Diplomatic Centre are bogus

Contact: UDeCOTT Corporate Communications – 627 0083

August 16, 2007:In a press release today, the Executive Chairman of the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT), Mr. Calder Hart, dismissed the contents of certain e-mails currently being circulated, which purport to be pictures of the outfitted Prime Minister’s Residence and Diplomatic Centre, as mere propaganda emanating from misguided and misinformed individuals.

“The photos currently being bandied about on the Internet and in certain media stories that purport to show these views of the Official Residence and Diplomatic Centre are clearly acts of mischief and are meant only to discredit the project and the progress that we are making on this project,” said Mr. Hart.

In commenting on the veracity of the pictures, Hart stated: “It is regretful and unfortunate that certain individuals would attempt to malign and bring into disrepute a successful project of national significance, especially when one considers the time frame in which same was completed and the quality of workmanship.” He also expressed confidence that once these buildings, like many of the other structures under construction across Trinidad and Tobago in line with the national plan to achieve first world status, are opened to and utilized by the public, many of the negative opinions and comments emanating from certain sectors relative to the use of a Chinese contractor (SCG) and the need for these projects will cease.

In line with the needs of our rapidly developing country, the Diplomatic Centre, which is to be used for the National Awards Ceremony, will be utilized by the State to host special and international events, diplomatic functions and accommodate foreign Heads of Government and dignitaries. The Diplomatic Centre makes provision for meeting, reception, conference and audio visual facilities (including a media briefing area), offices, a ballroom and a banquet hall.

UDeCOTT is developing the structures that form part of the innovation for lasting
prosperity; the development plan of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.