In a dramatic political development, Minister of People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit has issued a forceful demand for the immediate resignation of the entire board of management overseeing Trinidad and Tobago’s Children’s Authority (CATT). The call comes amid revelations of a staggering $77 million financial liability that has compromised the institution’s operational stability.
During a press conference at the United National Congress headquarters in Chaguanas, Minister Mohit presented a comprehensive indictment of the Authority’s financial management practices, describing the situation as a ‘serious financial debacle’ with liabilities accumulating since 2020. The minister asserted that these financial troubles represent not isolated incidents but a systemic pattern of governance failure that threatens the institution’s ability to protect vulnerable children.
Detailed documentation revealed multiple areas of financial concern, including outstanding security service payments exceeding $23 million collectively owed to two firms, unpaid staff health insurance contributions surpassing $1.5 million, and the startling acquisition of an ice-maker costing $343,000—an expenditure characterized as frivolous given the Authority’s financial constraints.
Perhaps most seriously, Minister Mohit disclosed that the Authority had failed to remit statutory deductions to national insurance and revenue authorities despite deducting these amounts from employee salaries. As of September 2025, these unremitted payments totaled over $10 million, creating what the minister described as ‘serious legal and ethical implications’ that expose the state to potential litigation.
The minister further questioned the timing of disciplinary actions against the Authority’s former chief executive officer, suggesting these measures appeared reactive rather than responsible, implemented only after ministry auditors began examining the institution’s finances.
In response, Children’s Authority Chair Marsha Bailey expressed astonishment at the minister’s statements, asserting that the presidentially-appointed board had ‘made every effort to work with the minister’ and remained committed to fulfilling their responsibilities under the governing legislation. Bailey noted the board stands by its record of doing ‘what is right’ for the nation’s children.
The developing crisis has drawn commentary from former government officials, including Ayanna Webster-Roy, who emphasized the traditional separation between ministerial policy direction and operational management of the Authority. The Children’s Authority has indicated it will issue a comprehensive statement addressing these allegations.