Why Robinsons need BMW

THE EDITOR: Please permit me to add  some background regarding the purchase which is currently being discussed. Prior to Mr Robinson assuming the office of President both Mr Robinson and Mrs Robinson each possessed personal vehicles. These vehicles remained largely unused during Mr Robinson’s term in office and were sold (midway during his term), as deterioration resulting from their lack of use diminished their value. In the search for a replacement vehicle for Mr and Mrs Robinson’s use during their retirement — after almost 50 years of public service — I recommended that the BMW 735 Li be purchased, primarily because the vehicle provides easy ingress and egress (a necessity for both parties) due to its long wheel base and extended rear door configuration, accommodates the operation of features (sometimes difficult for elderly persons to use) from the driver’s or front passenger location and possesses important security attributes. All of which would facilitate comfortably, Mr and Mrs Robinson’s travel to the public and private engagements throughout Trinidad and Tobago, it was anticipated that they would attend.

It was also considered that despite being retired, Mr Robinson’s continued international role would give rise to occasions, whereby he would have the opportunity to demonstrate the hospitality of Trinidadians and Tobagonians by hosting eminent individuals from abroad. The vehicle in question was considered suitable for the role it would be called upon to play, being the vehicle of choice for diplomats in many regions of the world. The nature of, and intended use for, the BMW 735 Li suggested  was that it would be necessary for a second vehicle to take on a utility role, largely reflecting the family situation which existed prior to March 17 1997. My recommendations were driven by functionality concerns and I believe the choice is suitable. It is really a matter for those who may have reservations about the request to consider whether the Nation has received ‘‘value for its money” when evaluating Mr Robinson’s contributions to Trinidad and Tobago and the future contributions he will very likely continue to make.

DAVID A A ROBINSON
Port-of-Spain