ST JOHN'S (CMC):

Trinidadian businessman, the investor behind a failed housing project here, has reimbursed 26 individuals who made deposits in the Colonial Homes project more than nine years ago.

A lawyer representing Harry Mungalsingh paid out more than EC$60,000 (US$22,000) in cheques to the once potential homeowners during a presentation ceremony on Friday at the prime minister's office.

The depositors were left to fend for themselves after the project did not materialise.

Former Housing Minister Hilson Baptiste said Mungalsingh had entered into an agreement with the former administration and after negotiations broke down, he left the island with individuals' money and not one house being built.