PM, defending tender bypass, cites ‘special’ circumstances
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has stoutly defended her administration’s handling of contracts, in an apparent response to a growing outcry from the public about one construction firm receiving all major government projects.
In fact, Mottley told a gathering today at the re-opening of the St Andrew Outpatient Clinic that lawmakers recognize that there will be times in the affairs of the nation when what she described as emergency and specialized procurement are critical.
“Now if the loss of $2 billion, and the absence of economic activity, and the absence of sufficient publicly-owned enterprises as opposed to privately-owned companies is in the condition that we know it is, then the only entity that can bring relief to the people of this nation is the Government of Barbados.
“And I could transpose that to the Bahamas, to Antigua, to St Kitts, to Aruba, to the United States of America. What is Mr [Joe] Biden’s stimulus package? Support to individuals and infrastructure and greening. And why? Because if we don’t do it now, who will fall through the cracks? . . . That is our reality,” Mottley said.
On Thursday, callers on the popular Voice of Barbados radio programme raised concerns regarding businessman Mark Maloney’s Preconco Limited being awarded the contract to develop a premium housing project at Chancery Lane, Christ Church, without going through a tender. The concern was also raised that Maloney appears to be receiving the majority of the Government projects, as well as the Hyatt Ziva Barbados.
Minister of Housing Dr William Duguid in response, told the radio programme that the award of construction contracts under the Government’s new BDS$250 million Home Ownership Providing Energy (HOPE) programme was transparent and above board. He said 18 contractors submitted expressions of interest in the HOPE Project and after thorough evaluation, 15 were selected and all would get the opportunity to be part of the project.
Dr Duguid explained that the 15 are directed to the HOPE Direct project which is the one at Lancaster and the HOPE Direct company will be incorporating them into being able to build houses for the Hope direct section.
However, the Prime Minister said the issue of what is legitimate procurement and what is not, appears to be bedeviling people. Mottley stressed that Barbadians need to recognize that if the serious financial and other problems facing the country are not resolved at this time, the possibility stands that there will be no future for many.
She said: “Now if we have to hold the centre, do we do it with frivolous projects, or do we do it with projects that make a difference to the lives of ordinary people? This project makes a difference to that lady in your congregation who may have poor circulation, who may need to have regular interaction with medical personnel, but whose son is laid off temporarily for the last six weeks.
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