Former CMU President Professor Fritz Pinnock is among five people on trial in the case.
By Racquel Porter
The former Treasurer of the Caribbean Maritime University on Thursday said he was surprised that Professor Fritz Pinnock, the university's former president, was charged and that he found no irregularities in the institution's affairs.
The witness, who has been giving evidence for more than a week, made the admission during cross-examination by Professor Pinnock's attorney Hugh Wildman in the Kingston & St. Andrew Parish Court.
For over three hours, Mr. Wildman sought to highlight his client's contribution to Caribbean Maritime University, questioning the witness about Professor Pinnock's decision not to seek additional pay for extra duties, his lasting impact on the institution and whether he was an asset to the university.
Before the lunch break Thursday afternoon, Mr. Wildman asked the witness whether, based on his job as the Treasurer, he had engaged in or seen any irregularities in the handling of CMU affairs.
The witness said "No, sir."
Mr. Wildman then asked if he was correct to say that Professor Pinnock went beyond the call of duty to develop CMU while he was there.
The witness answered in the affirmative.
Responding to whether the professor had made a lot of sacrifices for CMU, working overtime, the witness said he recalled those efforts which he was a part of when he met with the Ministries of Finance, Education, Transport and meetings with other influential third parties.
The witness also testified that Professor Pinnock was engaged in early morning and late night meetings with the Council in efforts to gain financial support for the institution, adding that he participated in those meetings.
Responding to a suggestion that a contract with a payee produced substantial economic value to the university, the witness said, in his opinion it brought increased visibility in the Diaspora which resulted in added inquiries, which supported the institution, resulting in more students receiving scholarship and funding.
Earlier, he agreed that a third party received payment from CMU following instructions from the payee.
The witness also agreed that by 2019, there were 6000 students enrolled at CMU.
He said they were full time, part time and CAP students as well.
The witness also said Mr. Wildman appeared to be correct with a suggestion that the institution had $3.5 billion in revenue by 2019.
Mr. Wildman suggested that by 2019 the university had a surplus of more than $2 billion under Professor Pinnock's leadership.
The witness said there was an increase in surplus but he could not recall how much it was.
He also agreed that Professor Pinnock provided inspired leadership.
Responding to whether the Ministry of Finance had any reason to question the finace of CMU, the witness said no.
In the meantime, the witness testified that as many as seven personnel from the Financial Investigations Division (FID) interviewed him.
He also agreed that Professor Pinnock had the full confidence of the council caucus which made decisions on the CAP programme.
The court was also told that 14 to 15 contractors were paid to supply CAP-YES students with meals.
The witness agreed as well that Professor Pinnock was a great asset to the institution.
Earlier he testified that Professor Pinnock did not collect pay for extra work.
Professor Pinnock, along with former Education Minister Ruel Reid, Reid's wife Sharen, his daughter Sharelle, and Councillor Kim Brown Lawrence are on trial.
The prosecution alleges that between March 2016 and October 2019, the accused masterminded a scheme that siphoned over $25 million from the Ministry of Education and the CMU.
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