Bridgeman’s VP to attend JSC on ferries

The Secretariat of the JSC wrote to Purdey last week via e-mail requesting him to attend.

He gave a commitment to attend one of the four hearings inquiring into the operations of the inter-island ferry service and more particularly the procurement of the cargo vessel the Cabo Star and the passenger vessel the Ocean Flower II.

The contract which had been awarded to Bridgeman’s was cancelled due to its failure to deliver the Ocean Flower II on time.

Purdey said he was willing to be cross examined and to provide documentation to clear his company’s name.

Sources revealed that all those contacted by the JSC so far have said they are willing to cooperate except former chairman of the Port Authority board Christine Sahadeo.

The JSC e-mailed asking Sahadeo to attend one of the four hearings but she has not yet given a commitment.

The inquiry will be held over four days with hearings in both Trinidad and Tobago.

The inquiry is one of four investigations into the acquisition of the ships.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has also commissioned businessman Christian Mouttet as sole investigator to investigate the procurement process, while Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan has requested the Port Authority to provide him with a report. That report, according to Sinanan is due by this weekend.

The Integrity Commission has also been asked to investigate the issue by former transport minister Devant Maharaj.