No answer to contract query

During my Budget presentation I raised a matter of national interest concerning the award of a contract to a firm called Magellan Maritime Services Ltd at the Port Authority.

The chairman of the Port Authority (PATT ) has provided a response to the media but has failed to answer a vital question which is wtheher this contract was tendered. In fact she has carefully bypassed the matter of procurement, which you have championed and which defines transparency and accountability.

I ask again in the public interest what was the procurement process for this contract.

In addition, I asked whether the said company had any difficulties securing insurance from Lloyds of London and whether the ministry or the PATT had to step in and provide a letter or letters of support. I also wish to know what form of support was given if any.

Lest I be misunderstood, I am for competent locals running the service. However, if this contract was awarded without tendering and if this was a directive of the board then it has violated the procurement process and should resign.

SURUJRATTAN RAMBACHAN MP, Tabaquite