Dear Editor
It is now more than three months since the public opening of the bids for the new power station and so far nothing has been said!
In the background - one of the generators at MUL compound in lower Brades
There are many rumours BUT only one solid fact. MUL has rejected both bids either because they were too expensive or did not qualify.
MUL is now negotiating with the more expensive bidder in an attempt to reach some sort of agreement. This is unlikely as their original bid read out at the public opening was EC$10 million above the budget available.
There is however a more serious aspect and one which I have tried, without success, to get an answer from CDB, DFID, the Minister of Communications and Works (MUL) and last but not least the Governor.
It concerns the words REJECT and ALTERNATIVELY. In the CDB rule book which is supposed to control all contracts it clearly states that bids may be rejected and this is what has happened to both bids.
The word REJECT in the english language means discard, do not use, so the 2 bidders have been discarded. (rejected).
In the same guidelines but in the next sentence it says that ALTERNATIVELY a bidder may be approached to reach a negotiated solution. How can this happen if BOTH bids have been rejected?
I believe that CDB and/or MUL have acted incorrectly if they are at present talking to the more expensive bidder. I have asked the question very politely but no one will give me an answer which makes one wonder, what have they to hide?
I am not involved in any way as far as the contract is concerned, but only want the very best for Montserrat. However, if I were, I would seek legal advice to prevent the matter going any further.
SAM RHYS-WILLIAMS
