Ministry of National Security meets with US Embassy team
January 12, 2021, Port of Spain: Minister of National Security, the Honourable Stuart R. Young M.P., hosted a meeting today January 12, 2021 with officials from the United States Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago.
Minister Young met with Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy, Mr. Shante Moore, and his team to discuss a request made to the US Department of Justice for an investigation into circumstances surrounding the procurement and the lease of a Sikorsky S76D Helicopter from Milestone Aviation Asset Leasing No. 25 LLC (now Vertical Aviation LLC) in 2014.
The parties also discussed other security and law enforcement matters between Trinidad and Tobago and the USA.
AN Irish company is seeking close to US$13 million ($88 million) in compensation from the Trinidad and Tobago government for breach of contract for a helicopter under the Kamla Persad-Bissessar regime in 2014.
If pre-judgment and post-judgment interest are added, the figure could skyrocket to $100 million should the court rule in favour of Vertical Aviation LLC.
The helicopterâa Sikorsky S-76âis well-known globally for its work in VIP transportation and utility work. The helicopter in question is owned by Vertical Aviation LLC and retails for US$15 million.
The lawsuit came up for hearing last Monday in the New York Southern District Court before Justice Mary Kay Vyskocil.