St Lucia Labour Party responds to WASCO

The St. Lucia Labour Party has noted the response provided by WASCO in relation to claims to a news interview in which opposition Member of Parliament Dr. Ernest Hilaire reportedly questioned the tender process for the de-silting of the John Compton Dam/Roseau Dam and the condition of the sediment disposal area (SDA).

In WASCO’s response it stated in no uncertain terms that the de-silting of the John Compton Dam project was done through a competitive bidding process. WASCO also claims that the said the tender process was subject to oversight by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The Labour Party said it believes that whoever instructed WASCO to issue that Press Release is attempting to mislead the public. The Labour Party stands by its questioning of the bidding process based on information received unless and until the Labour Party and the people of Saint Lucia get clear answers or clarity from WASCO on the following questions which are relevant to the issue of whether there was a fair, objective and honest tender.

Accordingly, WASCO is asked to provide answers with proof to the following:

1. Was the initial notification for prequalification not published on 5 August 2017 with a deadline of 16 September 2017?

2. How many companies submitted prequalification documents?

3. Is it not true that only CIE (owned by Rayneau Gadjaher) submitted documents?

4. Why was CIE not asked to submit a tender as not only did it qualify but was the only company that sent in a prequalification bid?

5. Did WASCO not ask Mega Contracting Inc. and Saiwak Construction and Heavy Equipment Rentals to submit documents for prequalification AFTER the deadline had passed and even when they did not meet tendering requirements?

6. Despite the above did WASCO not send a letter on 18 October 2017 to Mega Contracting Inc. and Saiwak Construction indicating that they have prequalified, when they did not?

7. Did WASCO not issue tender documents on 8 November 2017 to both companies?

8. Did Saiwak Construction not submit a bid together with another company?

9. Did Mega Contracting Inc. not submit a bid together with a foreign company?

10. Did Mega Contracting Inc. qualify as they were bidding with a foreign company as WASCO itself admits that it had to be a local contractor?

11. Was Mega Contracting Inc. not awarded the contract?

12. Can WASCO clarify the information that is in the public domain of a direct relation between Mega Contracting Inc. and a Government Minister?

13. Since WASCO stated that the bidding process was done with the oversight of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), can WASCO show any proof of CDB involvement?

The Saint Lucia Labour Party wishes to inform WASCO that it must not engage in partisan political activity and perform the role of advocate for any Minister. WASCO is a statutory body and must always serve the national interest and not continue to be used for political purposes.

The Saint Lucia Labour Party awaits the response of WASCO to the questions above and to demonstrate that there is transparency and accountability in the management of its affairs.