Works and Transport Minister Colm Imbert yesterday blamed the delay in the computerisation of the Licensing Department on the insistence of a local firm to get the contract.

Imbert said the controversy has caused the United Nations Development Programme to withdraw its funding, and new negotiations are currently being pursued.

The Minister's response drew criticism in the Senate yesterday, as he failed to provide detailed information about the fraudulent practices at the Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, office.

Imbert had been asked by Opposition Senator Wade Mark to provide a detailed explanation of why the computerisation and modernisation of the Licensing Office was not a reality to date.

The Minister said in December 2003, Government approached UNDP for technical assistance for the acquisition of a permits and vehicles registration information system for the Ministry's Transport Division.

He said two firms submitted tenders-a local firm, which asked for US$3.4 million; and an international firm, with a bid of US$1 million.

Imbert said the local firm protested after the foreign firm was selected and insisted that the foreign firm be disqualified. The UNDP refused to comply and the local firm started a campaign of false allegations against the UNDP personnel, forcing the UNDP to abort the process because of the controversy, Imbert said, without disclosing the names of the competing firms.

Imbert said in 2005, the Ministry revised its agreement with the UNDP and in order to strengthen the process, a steering committee was established.

New tenders went out and six bids were received. Local company Digi-Data Systems Ltd was chosen as the preferred tenderer, he said.

Imbert said the same local firm that was rejected before again protested and started another smear campaign against the UNDP officials.

He said in 2007, the UNDP indicated that it was not prepared to sign the contract because of "high exposure to financial and legal risk, including the threat of character assassination". Imbert said in order to resolve this matter, it was decided that a "Government-to-Government" arrangement be used, the details of which are still being finalised.

Independent Senator Dana Seetahal sought to question the Minister as to what measures have been put in place to deal with fraudulent practices at the Licensing Office.

Senate President Danny Montano intervened, saying that question does not constitute as a supplemental question to the one posed on the Order Paper. He did say, however, that if Imbert wished, he could volunteer an answer. Imbert remained silent, prompting Seetahal to say: "Over the years, we have heard so much of this and the Minister has not yesterday assumed this portfolio. I am asking him if he knows whether there are any measures put in place to deal with this."

Opposition Senator Faisal Rahaman asked Imbert whether, given the congestion at the Licensing Office at Wrightson Road, if Government intends to use the same location when the computer and modernisation upgrades take place. Imbert responded, "No." Imbert said that the reform will begin this year but remained silent when asked when the project will be completed.

"You don't know when it will be completed? Wow!" exclaimed Seetahal.