Mariano Browne

BY SEAN NERO

MINISTER in the Ministry of Finance Mariano Browne has slammed two business organisations for suggesting that State agencies were a law unto themselves.

Browne chastised the president of the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce Ian Collier, who on Wednesday claimed that statutory authorities failed to operate within established procurement perimeters.

He then turned his attention to statements made by the T&T Contractors Association which charged that government favoured Chinese contractors over locals.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, the closing day of a two-day Caribbean Public Procurement, Law and Practice Conference at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Dock Road, Port-of-Spain, Browne said, “That is absolutely untrue. There are some state enterprises that do not have a strong audit department. We do have a central audit system which operates in the Ministry of Finance to supplement that particular deficiency.”

On the issue of Government’s perceived preference for using foreign contractors on local mega projects, the minister said: “The contractors association had a beef. The use of foreign contractors in T&T is not new. Who built the Hall of Justice and the Twin Towers?” he asked.

“They were foreign contractors and we also used local contractors or sub-contractors. Sub-contractors would always be in position, but I don’t agree that its unfair.”

Browne admitted there was a demand for large projects at this stage.

“We are trying to put certain areas of infrastructure in place in a short timeframe. There are certain limitations in using local contractors. That’s a fact,” he said.

Commenting on the failed transaction in which Caribbean Airlines (CA) sought to buy an an executive jet, Browne made it clear that every step of the attempted purchase was conducted in an above-board manner.

“Yes. There is a standard procedure and a methodology that allows for a sole selective tender, in these circumstances. There was an evaluation of alternative possibilities or opportunities. The best equipment was chosen in the circumstances.”

He admitted that the anti-corruption clause would affect future attempts by government to purchase goods and services.

“We have used the clause unabridged elsewhere. Certainly in the procurement of the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) and the fast interceptor crafts. That clause was taken out of that contract,” said Browne.

Asked whether there would be public consultation the next time the issue of purchasing an executive jet arose, the minister said such transactions must remain confidential until the deal was completed.

“We need to balance the need for privileged and sensitive information to be treated in that fashion. I have said publicly that acquisitions of that nature ought not to be discussed in the press. That’s not how you do it and I don’t move from that position.”

He said there was a clearly established procedure by which citizens could make comments and be informed on matters of public interest, but not while the State was in the middle of negotiations.

“I don’t know that public consultation is required in matters like this. If we are buying OPV, are we going to consult the public in the technical requirements of OPVs?” Browne asked.

He added, “There are some decisions that have to be made and that is why government is in power to act in a certain way.”