Kamla: Money could fund 20,000 students

Minister of Works and Transport, Rohan Sinanan, yesterday assured all was above-board with the ferry leasings.

Persad-Bissessar also vowed to personally prosecute the case of an injured policeman who cannot access compensation due to the Government failing to activate the Protective Services Compensation Committee.

She expressed anger over Government’s handling of tertiary education and her suspicions over the leasing of the ferries.

Persad-Bissessar alleged that one ferry was leased for $52 million more than its predecessor the Super Fast Galicia, a sum which, she said, could fund 17,000 tertiary students, while another ferry, the Cabo Star, was allegedly costing US$7,500 per day more than it should cost, a sum that could fund another 2,500 students.

She called on Sinanan to name the directors and shareholders of Bridgemann, saying they are seemingly not listed in the TT Companies Registry.

Persad-Bissessar alleged the firm came to this country in May to give technical advice to the Port Authority and the next month brought two boats which they then chartered to the authority.

“This is scandal of the highest order. No procurement process whatsoever. A company with no track record. This stinks of corruption.” Sinanan refuted the claims.

On claims that one ferry is overpriced by $52 million, he said this was leased on a short-term contract and represents what was available. After this lease ends, Government will aim for a fresh three-year lease at a better rate.

“Mrs Persad-Bissessar said a lot of things that were not correct.” On claims the Cabo Star is costing US $7,500 per day too much , Sinanan asked who was feeding Persad-Bissessar wrong info, saying, “I have no idea what she’s talking about.” He said the Government charted the vessel for a price from Bridgemann.

Sinanan likewise queried her claim of Bridgemann visiting here in May, saying, “To my knowledge that is not true. Bridgemann was never hired here as a consultant.” On the claim that firm being unknown, he said Persad-Bissessar should question the doing her research.