JSC on ferries may sit several times

This committees is one of several regular JSCs of the Parliament and is chaired by Independent Senator Stephen Creese.

Other members include Energy Minister Franklin Khan, Sports Minister Daryl Smith, Opposition Senator Wade Mark and Mayaro MP Rushton Paray. Given the complexity of the issues surrounding the procurement of these vessels, sources told Newsday yesterday that one hearing with the various stakeholders may not be sufficient to provide the committee with all the information it needs to submit a report on this issue to Parliament.

Sources said this determination will be made “by the collective” which is all members of the JSC. The committee’s secretariat has advised its members that Creese has set September 4 as the date for the hearing.

Correspondence to various stakeholders requesting their attendance at that hearing are in the process of being sent out. Anyone who fails to appear pursuant to a summons from the committee could be reported to the Attorney General who could take the matter to court and possible resulting in the person being fined $1000 or face imprisonment for one year. Once the committee’s report is tabled in Parliament, its contents could be debated if the relevant motion is approved.

Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan will be given 60 days to act on the committee’s recommendations. He could either reject or accept the recommendations within that period.