PATT meeting on Galicia replacement

Yesterday’s marathon session, which began at 2 pm and lasted at least four hours, was called to allow the board to review all replacement options and make a recommendation to Government, on the most suitable vessel, to take over inter-island cargo shipments.

Checks by Newsday revealed that the Alison Lewis-led board remained ensconced in the boardroom at PATT offices, Dock Road, Port-of-Spain, all afternoon.

Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan, was not in attendance but members of PATT management were present; at least for a portion of the meeting, to present their findings on information requested by the board last Thursday.

The outcome of yesterday’s meeting will be revealed at a joint press conference at 1 pm today at the Ministry of Works and Transport’s head office, Richmond Street, Port-of-Spain at which Minister Sinanan and members of the PATT board are scheduled to address the media.

The Galicia is a 13-year-old vessel that began principally transporting cargo between the islands in July 2014. The previous administration paid $48 million for an initial 12-month charter. Following the expiration of that contract, the vessel had been on a monthto- month contract with the PATT for the past 18 months.