Elias denies being ‘in bed’ with a politician

Businessman Emile Elias stated yesterday that it was not his practice to be “in bed” with any politician. Elias was responding to the “silly” statement made by Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday that he (Elias) was in bed with Housing Minister Dr Keith Rowley. Panday also called on Government to investigate the $20 million cost overrun on the Scarborough Hospital. Elias’ company NH International is the contractor. Explaining the cost overrun, Elias stated yesterday that anyone could visit the Scarborough Hospital site and see 18 huge retaining walls, “which were not in the original contract.” He added that “substantial additional foundation work” was also done “which created an additional scope of work.

I think Mr Panday should be ashamed of calling the name of a law-abiding citizen in this way when he has been unable to explain where he got the millions in his London bank account, or about the $14 million London luxury apartment. When he is able to do this, I will take the time to explain to him the simple basics of construction contracts,” Elias stated. Elias said he did not know what the Housing Minister had to do with a hospital. He said it would seem that Panday was “still smarting from the fact that Ish Galbaransingh, one of his party’s financiers, was rejected by the IDB for the award of the Scarborough Hospital.” Elias noted that Galbaransingh tendered in partnership with Calmaquip — “both of whom are before the court.” Referring to Panday’s Budget contribution, Elias concluded: “I thought Mr Panday’s entire presentation was weak and pathetic.”