Keino Cox challenges TSTT over removal as acting CEO

Keino Cox, the former acting CEO of the state-owned Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT), is challenging the company’s decision to place him on administrative leave and not renew his appointment. His legal team, led by Senior Counsel Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, has issued a pre-action protocol letter alleging that Cox was “forced out” and treated unlawfully in both public and private law.

Cox’s attorneys claim his removal was a retaliatory measure following his decision to raise concerns regarding corporate governance. Specifically, they allege the move was connected to issues surrounding a proposed refinancing of approximately US$470 million in TSTT bonds and the conduct of certain company officials, including Chairman Kern Dass, Corporate Secretary Viveka Pargass, and acting CFO Robert Panker.

The legal challenge disputes any link between Cox’s departure and alleged misconduct regarding a call-centre contract, asserting that the procurement process was independent and approved by the appropriate committees. His lawyers highlighted his performance during his 12-month tenure, noting that TSTT saw a 103% increase in profit after tax and significant growth in EBITDA during that period.