Resolve ferry issue

To this end, Government must demonstrate high levels of transparency and be sensitive to the need to foster a culture of good public procurement practice. It must err on the side of protecting the Treasury, and underline measures taken to ensure the safety of the vessel to demonstrate a commitment to health and safety issues.

We do not condemn or criticise any agency in relation to the transaction involving the Cabo Star and the Ocean Flower.

Nor do we accuse any official of corruption in relation to the reported lease of these vessels from the entity described as Bridgeman Services. On the contrary, if we are to understand the complaint that has been forwarded to the Integrity Commission by an Opposition politician, there is not enough information available on which a reasonable person can base an opinion on these matters.

In our nation’s public affairs, there is very often a tendency on the part of State officials — mandated to serve the public, not private interests — to politic. Too often a tit for tat ensues. One side may raise an issue and the other side flippantly dismisses the issue as frivolous. Only citizens lose when this occurs. True, there are often clear instances where those elected to act in the public interest seem bent on simply scoring political points. Their attitude potentially damages the country in the long run as it may result in the boy that cries wolf syndrome.

But no Government, when faced with a project that engages the twin issues of public procurement and safety, can afford to cavalierly dismiss questions as Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan has done recently when questioned by Newsday over a complaint lodged by former UNC Minister Devant Maharaj. It is well-known that Maharaj comes from a certain political party and that he served in an administration dogged with controversy after controversy relating to the use of public funds.

But Sinanan must rise above politics. He must assure the public, through an appropriate degree of transparency, that all rules and procedures were followed in this instance and in the circumstances. If we are not assured of this, how can we feel safe aboard these vessels? This does not mean a disclosure of any sensitive commercial information (though taxpayers have a right to that too). It simply means a more thorough disclosure of the processes which led to this procurement. The best way to handle a frivolous complaint is to show how frivolous it is. It is the taxpayer who has the most to lose if not.

The moment is also right for the State to advance the public procurement agenda by updating us as to the status of efforts to implement the historic procurement legislation.

Ironically, while this matter has been placed in the hands of the Integrity Commission, it is actually the Government that has an opportunity to further its agenda of restoring integrity to public life.