problem with ssh during cvs actions

Having a error when attempting to take any actions in my cvs checked
out module that involves sourcing/quering $CVSROOT.

$CVSROOT in this case is:

   <remote-host>:/usr/local/cvsroot

so ssh is involved when talking to CVSROOT.

Something like cvs add file 

Will first prompt for password but then throws this error:

   cvs add file
Password: xxxxxxxx <enter>

Unknown command: `server'

There doesn't seem to be any switches for verbosity in man cvs or for
debug of some kind.

How can I determine what the problem is.

A regular ssh to <remote-host> prompts for password and succeeds
without error once password is given.