BOAT BOBOL

In a ‘live’ interview yesterday on Radio 95.5 FM, Rowley defended his Government from allegations of inaction as the inter-isle cargo ferry service continues to flounder badly, by saying there is another side to the story and that Government has more information than its critics.

“In fact, that matter is now on the way to the Office of the Attorney General. Because of how the public has been manipulated, it is important the Government provide all the information and all the documents,” Rowley said.

Amid all criticisms, he said there is “probably” criminal conduct in other quarters. He said many of these critics are just mouth pieces for persons who have had, “their noses in the trough”, in an arranged situation. “You have people committing Government to expenditure of millions and millions of dollars, without appropriate authority. You see persons starting out at one end as lawyer for the port and then being a broker for the boat.” IMPROPER PROCEDURE Saying all details will be publicised, Rowley said he does not want the population to think Government is stupid. “People have been the beneficiary of largesse coming their way because of improper procurement procedure,” he alleged. Saying he told AG Al-Rawi to read the documents, Rowley assured relevant persons would be held accountable.

He expressed shock at how documents show that an initial six-month contract, turned to a 12-month contract, followed by demands for a five-year contract.

“And as it is happening inside of the (Port Authority) board you are seeing board members taking positions that would be of interest to the public.” He said the problem goes back to the very beginning, starting with the boat being unsuitable as it could not be moored at the Tobago Terminal at Queen’s Wharf.

“So they started mooring it at the Hyatt Hotel.” He said the Galicia’s engines are destroying the seafront at the Hyatt and if continued will likely incur a bill for damages.

“If Government allows that to continue for five years we’ll end up with a $200 or $300 million bill to fix the Hyatt. Secondly, if we are to take it to the Queens Wharf we’ll have to dredge every two years at a cost of $50 million.” SINANAN’S CLAIM On Wednesday, in Parliament, Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan refuted Tabaquite MP Dr Suruj Rambachan’s claim of “gross incompetence” by Government over the Galicia.

Sinanan said that in 2013 (under the former regime) the Port Authority hired an attorney, NB Alfonso and Co, the firm of attorney Nyree Alfonso.

A tender by the authority was won by firm Intercontinental, Sinanan said in the House, adding that this firm allegedly said Alfonso was their broker. The contract ran for six months and later extended to 12 months, Sinanan added, but at the same rate favourable to Intercontinental.

Sinanan said soon after becoming minister, in December, he was asked by John Powell of Intercontinental for a five-year contract or else Powell would pull the boat from service. “I consider that to be economic blackmail,” Sinanan hit.

Further, the minister alluded that the Galicia is unsuitable because its present berthing causing cargo trucks to block the Hyatt entrance. Sinanan said he told the Port board to “spec” a replacement boat. “Cabinet has already approved the tendering process for purchase of a brand new cargo vessel for Tobago. They also approved the tendering process for the hiring of a cargo vessel for three years. I’ll be taking a note to Cabinet for the purchase of two new fast ferries for passenger transportation to Tobago.”