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Saturday, 07 July 2012 02:30
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By caribarena news
Antigua St John's - The United Progressive Party (UPP) government continues to send out mixed signals on the way forward regarding requests for an investigation into the Wadadli Power Plant (WPP).
Mere days after Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer said he thought the move would be a waste of time and money, UPP Chairman Harold Lovell has announced the establishment of a Cabinet sub-committee to consider the request of Antigua Labour Party (ALP) Chairman Gaston Browne for an independent investigation into the project.
In a correspondence dated July 5, 2012, Lovell has advised Browne that with respect to his June 25 letter to Spencer, a Ministerial Sub-Committee of the Cabinet will be constituted to study the issues carefully.
“As promised in your subsequent meeting with the Prime Minister, the matters raised in your letter were discussed at the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, 3rd July, 2012,” Lovell tells Browne. He added, “Accordingly, a Committee has been established comprising Sen. the Hon. Dr. Errol Cort, Hon. Dr. Jacqui Quinn Leandro and myself, with a mandate to report to the Cabinet within fourteen (14) days.”
This report will determine whether or not the requested independent investigation will go forward.
Gaston Browne said he welcomed the news that the government not only opted to discuss his proposal but is looking to have focused talks on the matter before a final decision is taken.
He said he is not too focused on an immediate commission of inquiry considering the time and resources that would require, but is instead expectant of an investigation that could eventually open the door for the Commission of Inquiry on solid grounds.
“I got that they (government) are saying that they have established a cabinet sub-committee comprising three members to look at the issues raised in my letter, which is mainly about calling an independent investigation or commission of inquiry into the power plant engines. And they are to formally consider the request and to let the Cabinet know their decision regarding what action should be taken,” Browne said. “They have given themselves 14 days to make a final decision.”
Further, he said, any one of three positions could be taken within the next fortnight including the move to a Commission of Inquiry, an Independent Investigation or simply ignoring the request altogether.
The ALP executive had initially made requests for a Commission of Inquiry and not an independent investigation, and according to Browne, his flexibility in his request could well be the foundation for proper insight into the true nature of the WPP agreement.
51 Comments In This Article
red and more red
are the people getting good service for all the money spend think
red
@ Fellow Bloggers
Anu
action, speaks louder
Now that we have the means to communicate, organize and set the motions in place to bring to justice those who have been abusing us, let's keep it going. However, all issues of concern with both political parties MUST be addressed. We/those of us who wants justice cannot be partisan. My contact information is vere.edwards
Jumbee Picknee
Haha
Bless
re: young analyst
Therefore, it is my humble opinion that a “class action lawsuit” is brought on behalf of the taxpayers. Where are the legal beagles? What are they afraid of?
The points I raised are not conclusive. I am sure they are much more information to be included. Some of the luminary bloggers, skilled in research, can add more to the motion.
By no means is this issue the only issue worthy of a “class action lawsuit”. There are many issues, discussed here on CA, that could comprise separate “class action lawsuits” I firmly believe that this is the only way to get transparency and accountability and to keep the powers that be in check.
“Let’s fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things.”
fnpsr
@ fnpsr
Morris
RE: Cabinet sub-Committee To Consider WPP Investigation Request
“In politics stupidity is not a handicap.”
“Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it”
“Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.”
"In the absence of justice, what is government but organized robbery?"
"Our government... teaches the whole people by its example. If the government becomes the lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy."
Spin Doctor
RE: Cabinet sub-Committee To Consider WPP Investigation Request
Quote:
Spin Doctor
@ fnpsr and tenman
young analyst
@Tenman...We don't need a Prince on these shores!
Dig It
time for a class action lawsuit - part & final
6. There is evidence of potential fraud, to wit: There is a big discrepancy in the price paid for the engines as posted on the internet by the manufacturer compared to price proffered by the powers that be.
These allegations are by no means inclusive and will also have to be developed. I am certain that there are many more that could be added.
If done properly, this will have a bigger effect than an investigation because it will be conducted in the open.
I would like to hear your thoughts.
“If you don’t dare to fight, you don’t deserve to win!”
“Let’s fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things.
fnpsr
time for a class action lawsuit - part 2
1. Failed to follow Justice Mitchell’s recommendations to wit: to seek senior legal advice particularly from an attorney with experience in this area, before entering into any contract with any entity about power generation or other major equipment.
2. Violated the Finance Administration Act of 2006 to wit: (1) Failed to bring to parliament as required by the ACT and (2) refused to make critical documents related to the project available to members of parliament.
3. Violation of the Tenders Board Act, to wit: (1) failed to submitted the proposal to the Tenders Board for vetting as required by the Act, and (2) Failed to obtain a waiver from Tender’s Board.
4. Violation of the Public Accounts Committee rule, to wit: Refusal of certain officials to appear before the Public Accounts Committee.
fnpsr
time for a class action lawsuit - part 1
I applaud the blogger Naomi, who wants to initiate an investigation of her own. This is noble, but one has to be realistic. If elected opposition members cannot get information, I do not think a private individual or group would have any success either.
I still firmly believe that the best way to approach this issue and to get to the heart of the matter is a “class action lawsuit” brought on behalf of the taxpayers of Antigua.
fnpsr
young analyst - its about political costs
young analyst, they will be weighing the pros and cons for an investigation. Their particular interest will be: is the political risk of an investigation too high vs the rewards. This is the reason why politicians are heading the investigation.L ogically they know that any real investigation calls for a rejection of bias, but this is about politics. In their world, the ends justify the means so if they conclude that an investigation will cost them too much politically, it will not happen.
..
tenman
What would they investigate?
young analyst
MERIT IN COMMENTS
There are two interesting paragraphs "4" that speaks to a quote "...with a mandate to report to Cabinet within fourteen days." This appeared rather vague. Then there is a one line paragraph "5" that apeared "...speculative " in the absence of "...embodiment and Terms of reference." The question is "...What specifically was the Sub-Committee established to do that it may report in 14 days?"
Clearly, the Honourable Prime Minister had done exactly what he had promised "...take MP Browne's concerns to Cabinet." That was a very smart thing to do.
However, the composition of the Sub-committee with Ministers who had previously made their "...position" publicly known that "...there was no need for public inquiry," may have been prudently omitted, if their "...report" may reflect "...objectivity and avoidance of negative public perceptions."
RAWLSTON POMPEY
What a stupid move...Satan correcting sin?
Finance ministers that over burden us with taxes, then over spend scarce resources without any accountability, from a luxury compartment coach that derailed and run out of gas to a romantic rhythm that cannot be accounted for and a failed voluntary package causing the disarray of the education system.What a bunch of incompetence and arrogance.
"The two most common elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity"
Harlan Ellison
Galileo
RE: Cabinet sub-Committee To Consider WPP Investigation Request
Rubbin alcohol
RE: Cabinet sub-Committee To Consider WPP Investigation Request
STEVE
What for?
I am most impressed with the fact that you have chosen an "independent" investigatory committee to look into the power plant "rip-off"!
My only question is: Your letter signed by your Deputy fails to give their "Terms of Reference".
Shouldn't there be some kind of guide lines set out for them to use?
May I humbly suggest - if you are made to get away with this farce - that you seriously consider changing our names to "Fooley People"!
Yours for now,
Jackie
Jackie Spence
Waters are muddier than ever before!
Dig It
Shoul!
The irony is that all that Lovell stood for gone agwassa!
Since ALP time Cort never stood for anything (except greed) - so no love lost!
Jackie all of a sudden want to show she have more "balls" than anybody in UPP so she would take on the Devil - and beat him!
Slapping Hand
RE: Cabinet sub-Committee To Consider WPP Investigation Request
Why waste the time or the print, I will use my crystal ball and tell you now what they have already decided.....no need for any investigation lol.
Talk about the fox guarding the hen house, Spencer is losing all credibility and is behaving like a despot dictator.
There is just cause to have Lovel and Caught investigated never mind THEM being on a committee!
Spin Doctor
De Real Observer
Osbert R. Frederick
patriotism and scoundrels
tenman
Cabinet Subcommittee on WPP Investigation
Mr. Prime Minister BS, can you please explain to me (without the usual accompanying spin), how the former Minister of Finance is a part of the Cabinet Subcommittee which is to investigate contracts that were entered into during his tenure as Minister of Finance?
If this is not madness, then I don't know what else qualifies for that title. No wonder folks around the world are laughing at us!
Fu Real
transparency & accountability
..
tenman
RE: Cabinet sub-Committee To Consider WPP Investigation Request
R. Berry
the fox guarding the chicken coop
I believe that the PM is just throwing the good people of Antigua a bone in order to appease them temporarily. However, the PM would have had more credibility if he had created a bi-partisan sub-committee, consisting of three UPP and 2 ALP members. Better yet, in addition to the five members stated above, the PM could have also appointed two citizens, from each party, to the committee to assist. The present constitution of the sub-committee is nothing more that the fox guarding the chicken coop.
With that said, I hope the sub-committee will make their findings to support their decision available to the public.
“Let’s fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things.”
fnpsr
UPP Strategy
Anu
Polical Strategy
Observer
Shame!
May God have Mercy on their souls and those of their families!
The Saint
Ditty!
See how they run, See how they run,
They all ran after the master's lies, They all ran after the Master's lies,
They won't see any wrong done, They won't see any wrong done,
Three Blind Mice!
Hurricane!
Question!
Please ask David Shoul if he did tell Wilmouth that the engines were old!
Just joking!!!! No questions please!
This is the biggest farce ever pulled over so many (all Antiguans and Barbudans), by so few (Bxxxxin and xxxxd), about so much txexing (US$52.5 million)!
Mango Man
Cabinet Sub-Committee
Anu
...it's called...
A.....Neargaritist - a virus which affects selfish individuals who learnt the wesimister system.
B...The Westminister - a system that teaches one to smile and grin like 'roast dog' in peoples faces, while **king them in plain sight, just like a female dog/perra/**.
C...Gangstaz...I will rob you by and thru any means necessary, and I dare you to tell because I will set my gang of police dogs, the sargent at arms of my corporation to hound, bound and shred you to bits.
Jumbee Picknee
RE: Cabinet sub-Committee To Consider WPP Investigation Request
Eric
RE: Cabinet sub-Committee To Consider WPP Investigation Request
Why are you misleading the public ? Gaston called for an independent investigation. How could your silly suggestion be considered an independent investigation ? Think before you talk.
Ian Best
Where is the AG?
Judge DREDD
RE: Cabinet sub-Committee To Consider WPP Investigation Request
Anonymous
RE: Cabinet sub-Committee To Consider WPP Investigation Request
Someone is being played like a fiddle! Like I said in a previous post, wake me in 2014 because will come about until after the elections.
Barry
Poor Gaston
Judge DREDD
RE: Cabinet sub-Committee To Consider WPP Investigation Request
R. Berry
OMG
A task that would burden Jesus let alone a lesser man and you D2pmbs have no problem with this??
D2PMBS switch on your TV and see how other dictators are making out these days and take heed. You sir need to go and fast.
Same old bunch of corrupt men and women in both political parties , repeating the same old actions with the same old result and some how we the people can not find it among our self's to take charge of our country.
We fear a 3rd party more than we fair the inept fools who we have in charge now.can it be really true that the vast majority of antiguans like it just so?
Microwave chef
RE: Cabinet sub-Committee To Consider WPP Investigation Request
More empty promises again? This is so funny I can't even laugh - so the same people who vehemently argued that the WPP is indeed new and that ANU got value for money will comprise this committee? What a joke, it is like having a burglar install your home security system.
Morris
MOCKERY OR MAKING BILLY GOAT
Then when a no confidence motion was proposed on the same issue, there were those on this sub-committee who had pledged support to PM Spencer and said at a public meeting **Nobody send no text to ask me how me ah go vote.**
MP Gaston Browne wrote the PM Spencer asking for inquiry or investigation. He said he attended a meeting, sent out a release saying one thing, the PM offering to take his concerns to Cabinet, but said something totally different to Browne who said the PM **acknowledged the gravamen of the issues.**
Why Minister Harold Lovell had to write to Browne and not the PM? Why nothing from the Cabinet Secretary Hazel Spencer to confirm such discussions and decision to establish sub-committee had taken place.
This looks very much like mockery and making a Billy Goat of somebody.
CLASSICUS
Oh Really?
UPPer
ALP , I AM SO SORRY
I WOULD LIKE TO APOLOGISE TO THE ALP FOR REMOVING THAT IN 2004, I AM SO SORRY. WE THE PPL WERE FOOL INTO BELIEVING THAT THE UPP WERE HONEST BUNCH. WE REALLY THOUGHT THEY WERE BETTER, BUT THE LAST EIGHT YRS HAVE PROVEN OTHERWISE
OO7
Three Blind Mice!
How appropriate! The committee are going to make their determination based on what? This is just so embar**ing to all of us with half a brain!
Caribbean Woman
PLEASE TELL ME I AM NOT CORRECT
Please think back on the FENCING INVESTIGATION and the RESULT.
PEACE
RE: Cabinet sub-Committee To Consider WPP Investigation Request
What's the problem?
Reality
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