Full inquiry

However, these developments point to the need for fuller implementation of the new public procurement law and for a rationalisation of the sea bridge. The investigator’s mandate to produce a report within 30 days, though welcomed, is only a temporary plaster for the deeper issues involved.

It was initially unclear under what specific laws the new investigator had been appointed.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said a decision was taken by “Prime Minister Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley on behalf of the Cabinet of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.” The investigator will examine the “circumstances surrounding the procurement of the Cabo Star and the Ocean Flower 2 and the entering into the charter party agreement for these vessels.” He will be provided with support from the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs. But it is not yet clear whether his report will be made public.

We have already expressed the view, in this space, that there must be greater transparency and accountability when it comes to all public procurement. It is clear that not enough information is available to come to any conclusion in relation to the vessels and their reported lease from Bridgeman’s Services Group. We are of the view that the investigator should be allowed to prepare a full report and that that report should ideally be released to the public.

Though it is not yet clear under what legal basis the investigator has been appointed, we note that the Public Procurement and Disposal of Property Act has provisions for the Office of Procurement Regulation to probe any public procurement.

Under Section 10 of that Act, the office is to be chaired by a procurement regulator and include people with a range of expertise, including law, finance, engineering, and accounting.

The board of the office is appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

Had all of these matters been fully operational today, the ferry issue would have probably long been referred to the attention of this body. The question is, why has the State, over successive administrations, taken so long to implement this procurement law? The new investigator will have only 30 days to review a matter of uncertain scope and complexity.

It is hoped he will be given adequate resources to fulfil his mandate by the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs.

Too much time has elapsed with the sea bridge lingering in uncertainty.

Behind all of this is the need for a rationalisation of this vital piece of infrastructure.

In about two week’s time, Trinidad and Tobago will celebrate Independence Day, the day our nation was formed.

Fifty-five years since embarking on the journey of standing on our own two feet, why have we not yet been able to resolve this matter of the link between our twin islands? A definitive decision must be made to bring stability once and for all. We should not have temporary leases or arrangements.

The new investigator is not tasked with making recommendations in this regard. But our leaders, in both islands, have a responsibility to come together and devise a permanent solution.