Calmaquip/BHC given 14 days to respond

BIRK Hillman Consultants (BHC) and Calmaquip Engineering have been given 14 days to provide written responses to evidence given at the Commission of Inquiry into the Piarco airport development project. Both firms were summoned to appear before the inquiry yesterday and on Tuesday. BHC’s attorney is Bruce Procope, QC while Calmaquip is represented by attorneys Russell Martineau, SC and Avory Sinanan. Although the companies’ officials failed to appear in person,  letters to the Commission from their attorneys indicated their willingness to respond to the evidence by written statements. Yesterday, dozens of letters exchanged between the companies, their attorneys and the Commission were read into evidence by Mercedes Gabriel, a paralegal with the Commission. BHC, in its June 24 faxed letter to the Commission, acknowledged receipt of the summons to question witnesses who implicated them, but pointed out that they are unable to come to Trinidad, but were willing to answer questions. BHC also said it may prepare a written statement in response to the transcripts of evidence from witnesses which they have received. Calmaquip too, through letters from Martineau dated June 23 and 24, informed the Commission that it did not want to question witnesses who implicated them in the inquiry, but it was not an acceptance of the allegations made.

Calmaquip said it would respond to the allegations in writing and wanted the Commission to give them a date by which time they should  respond. Lead attorney for the Commission Theodore Guerra, SC advised the Commission that in fairness to the companies, they be given 14 days, that is, until July 8 to submit their written statements. The Commissioners agreed. Also yesterday Peter Cateau, the Ministry of Works and Transport client representative, was asked by the Commission to get information on who authorised a US$1.6 million claim by BHC for services done by Overseas Communications Investment Corporation (OCIC). Cateau said he heard about the payment, but it was before he was appointed. The inquiry will resume today, when Fidelity Finance and Maritime General Insurance are summoned to appear. Cateau will also be questioned by John Humphrey’s attorney Sean Cazabon.