bpTT: Maranatha is above board

Caroni East MP, Ganga Singh told a UNC rally at Montrose on Friday that Williams is linked to Maranatha Geophysical Services, a local seismic contractor, which he alleges has a US$19 million contract with BPTT.

Speaking later to Newsday, Singh queried whether this was a conflict of interest and whether it gave BPTT undue influence over the Minister.

"Was the contract obtained while Williams was a sitting Minister of Energy? Is it related to the fact that the tax regime on oil and gas has not been implemented?"

Williams’ relationship to Maran-atha was confirmed by several on-line magazines including the TT Geologic Society, and "Alexanders Gas and Oil Connections" which in a 2002 story said Williams was then both Minister of Energy and CEO of Maranatha.

Newsday called Williams’ communications officer, Alicia Carter Fisher, who promised to pass on our queries, but Williams never returned our call.

BPTT corporate communications officer, Paul Charles, denied the allegations through a statement.

BPTT said Maranatha was one of its bona fide suppliers of seismic data services.

"We can confirm that Mr Eric Williams together with other partners founded this pioneering local seismic company."

BPTT said the relationship complied with the law, with BP’s code of conduct, and with the highest standards of international practice.

"Consistent with our internal code of conduct and relevant law, and upon his appointment as Minister of Energy, he notified BPTT that he had resigned as chairman of Maranatha and vested his legal and beneficial interest in Maranatha to trustees." BPTT said Williams had set up a blind trust. "The effect of this trust was to vest his interest absolutely in Maranatha, placing it outside his control or influence. This is the accepted standard globally for avoiding the possibility of any conflict of interest or undue influence between a sitting Minister or other government official and private interests."

BPTT categorically denied any allegations, by inference or innuendo, that BPTT through this contract or otherwise influenced or received any benefit from the Minister or other parties.

Maranatha Geophysical Services is listed in the telephone directory as located at 40 Dundonald Street, Port-of-Spain.