The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, led by Roosevelt Skerrit, has awarded a contract for the construction of the first phase of the Roseau River Promenade for 24% or approximately EC$108,000.00 more than the lowest competitively priced tender!
In the first round of tenders submitted for the Roseau River Promenade North wall on the 3rd April 2013 the following were the lowest tenders:
1. ACE Engineering Ltd – EC$ 1,535,779.50 – completion 28 weeks,
2. Public works Corporation – EC$ 1,574,976.89 – completion 24 weeks.
3. The Third Tender – EC$ 1,704,135.90 completion 40 weeks.
The record does not indicate that George Nanthan submitted a tender. By letter dated 11th September 2013, without providing any reasons, the government cancelled the tender process without awarding a contract for the works.
In the second round of tenders submitted on 17th April 2014 for a much reduced scope of works (150 ft of wall compared to 440 ft in the original tender), the following were the lowest tenders:
1. ACE Engineering Ltd – EC$ 452,192.12 – completion 13 weeks,
2. Public works Corporation – EC$ 474,671.66 – completion 13 weeks.
3. George Nanthan – EC$ 560,176.50 – completion 13 weeks.
On the heels of telling our police officers, teachers and the rest of the public service that the government is financially unable to increase salaries, the government has demonstrated that it can afford to pay 24% more than the market price for infrastructure works.
What makes the situation most alarming is that this award was based on a tender process which started as a publicly advertised tender process in 2013 for which the original lowest bidder is again the current lowest bidder. Further, the public opening of the 2nd round of tender on the 17th April 2014 was done in the presence of three “procurement officers” who were in attendance for observation.
One cannot but reflect on Jesus’ caution: “For if these things are done when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” Luke 23:31.
If this was a publicly tendered project, with procurement observers, what happens behind the scenes for awards made without any public tender or oversight? One is led to believe that the normal overpayment is far greater than 25%.
The majority of works and services recently contracted out by this government were done by limited invitation or direct negotiations. The vast majority of government purchases of goods are done by direct purchasing. When one considers that at present the vast majority of public sector procurement is not undertaken by open competitive tender, one can understand the enormous burden on the tax payers.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is quoted in an article on another website, dated 12 July 2014 as saying, “I do not believe that the environment is good to impose any new taxes or increased taxes on the citizens of Dominica.” He is apparently well aware that the government finances are mismanaged and current taxes paid by citizens are wasted.
How much less taxes we could be paying had there been prudent financial management in the area of public procurement by our Minister of Finance, Roosevelt Skerrit! How much lower could the VAT be on basic food items, energy and utilizes if the government was exercising more prudent and transparent public procurement practices.
Given the public procurement environment, it is not misplaced to fear that savings on government’s expenditures as provided in its current 2014/2015 budget of EC$ 489.97 Million could probably be as much as 24% or EC$117.00 Million.
It is therefore understandable why there is never enough funds to develop, maintain or mange the country’s infrastructure, why there is not adequate funding for appropriate vocational and technical education, why there is not enough funds to pay public servants, why bona fide providers of services to the government have to wait so long to be paid.
In both cases it appears that neither ACE Engineering Ltd or Public Works Corporation, with tenders less than 5% apart on both occasions, were found appropriate to serve the people of Dominica. It would be interesting to see the recommendations of the consultant and that of Technical Services Division for award of tender in each case.
This situation clearly highlights why BCAD has taken the nationally responsible stance to press the government to pass and then enforce the Public Procurement And Contract Administration Act. As BCAD’s president Stewart Paris said to a reporter at its last press conference: “If the procurement bill is enforced, there will be less reason to ask about corruption!”. – Anthony E. Le Blanc.
This article was paid for by Anthony Leblanc of ACE Engineering.
Ha! Nice one, Tony! I agree with everything in your article but I also caution that “people who live in glass houses should not throw stones”. I recall when Petro Caribe was coming to Dominica and major infrastructural works were required to be done at Hertford Estate, Jimmit. I recall that ACE Engineering and/or Tony Leblanc was given the job WITHOUT any public tendering process. The civil works were done by ACE or Tony, and everyone saw it as a “Vielle Case” boys thing, since the PM and Tony are from Vielle Case. So, while I agree and support your entire article, remember, you once ate from the hands of the corrupt cabal.
Please check your comment – it lacks factual content.
Our engagement at Jimmit never involved any politician or government official.
It was purely direct subcontracting with CB&I Americas, no contractual arrangement with Petro Caribe except for minor works for which there is still a receivable. We do engage politicians, without discrimination, but only as employees or professional consultants, where necessary. We recognise and are grateful for the mercy of the Ultimate Giver who always faithfully provides. There is no need to show ingratitude to God by help politicians take more from taxpayers than they need to, whether they are red, blue or green. Hope you can find your pipe to smoke!
Thumbs-up or down…..Facts are Facts. Whether this government retains office or the UWP takes the helm… After the dust settles, it will be EXACTLY the same. Nantan will be decommissioned and a UWP faithful selected. Mamo had her set (they died with her)….Eddison had his set (they too whither away)… Skerrit, it may seem, has his. What’s new? NOTHING..!! Basically it boils down to, “Same Sh**…. Different Party”
Boy you smart!
Correction:
My attention was drawn to the fact that there was a page 2 of the Tender opening record for the first round of Tender in which details of 4 other tenders were recorded (total of 10 tenders were submitted). George Trucking & Excavation Services was recorded as number 9.
Hence for the first round of tender, the third lowest bid is:
3. George Trucking & Excavation Services – EC$ 1,586,038.25 – no completion time was given.
Correction:
My attention was drawn to the fact that there was a page 2 of the Tender opening record for the first round of Tender in details of 4 other tenders were recorded (total of 10 tenders were submitted). George Trucking & Excavation Services was recorded as number 9.
Hence for the first round of tender, the third lowest bid is:
3. George Trucking & Excavation Services – EC$ 1,586,038.25 – no completion time was given.
Sir
As I said in response to your other post, when we are making public accusations particularly in this volatile and partisan environment currently in Dominica, we absolutely have to ensure that the information which we put out to influence people’s thinking is impeccably correct. To do otherwise would be to raise suspicions about our motives.
I’m not sure how many professing christians think about it but I am always mindful that the commandment “Do not bear false witness against your neighbour” is as powerful and important as “thou shalt have no other gods before me”; “do not steal” ” do not commit adultery” or “do not commit murder”.
Sir, is there any other incorrect claim in your articles?
Lord Have mercy .tp much Robbing
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Stop the project.
TEAM Dominica you have the power to stop that project and demand that it is done properly.
Inform the E U, the World Bank, CDB and all other funding agencies of that blatant, in your face corruption and I bet you that the cowards will give in.
The Roseau South talker just walked away with $250,000.00 on the Silver Lake apartment building, where he got $1.0 million for a building of concrete, steel, blocks and aluminum louvers which should not cost $500,000.00. So he made a good profit plus $250K.
DNO, I challenge you to make a cost analysis of the Silver Lake building and inform your readers of your findings. Consult with contractors, engineers, quantity surveyors and architects to verify.
Enough is enough this highway robbery must stop!
Due to the inactivity of the Dominican Society they will continue to be ruled by the DLP…
Dominicans are way too foolish to get anything going..
all they do is talk thus not getting any results in the end..
often wonder why nothing blossoms in Dominica, it won’t and never will because of the laid back wait and see attitude…Dominicans are not known to be high achievers as a island which claims to have a education system..
the end product is confusion and foolishness to the core.
Dominicans are not foolish, just to lazy and love to beg.
Cheaper does not mean better.
Nor does “more expensive” mean better! The real criterion should be “value for money”.
So far I have not read a defense on this one? Is Samantha Robinson alive and well lets hear what she has to say since she is the chief bottle washer for this administration defending all their corrupt practices, by the way is Mammie her aunty or grand mother??
Sammmy does not hide behide post to call people out..DNO..the woman is a private citizen and somebody hiding behind a fake name can call her out? Is that the fairness and unbiasness that you encourage? Wait..it support blue right..so it has to be fair.
CORRUPTION ???????
Where, in DOMINICA ??????
Who say that ???????
IT CANNOT BE PROVEN .
Today, in the UK, 3 (THREE) specialist doctors , one woman two men , were sentenced to prison for moonlighting ( working privately) while being paid on Government time .
IS THIS POSSIBLE IN DOMINICA ?
Never I say, never .
It is good to see that Mr. Leblanc is bringing this to public light. Freedom of press at its best. While Government should try to save tax payers money at every opportunity they get, I see nothing wrong in offering a contract to an up and coming entrepreneur who will probably employ more independent contractors, who will in turn employ some more workers to complete a project. I see it as a form of job creation in building/improving infrastructure. I know that many will make that a political issue, call me blind, but I do not see it that way. Although the bid is higher, long term you get a better product and more people benefit from the project as the project was awarded to a small business owner.
The way I see it!
One Love Dominicans!!
if you had done some investigation on who owns this company and its machines ,you would see things differently ,so please investigate before you share
@ Righteous I gave you thumbs down only for your 1st sentence, this has nothing to do with the press this is a paid advertorial that’s why I have a problem with this it’s misleading this is a one sided story.
This is a clear case of conflict of interest to its highest degree. PM was recently quoted as stating that public works should reduce its size of employees by 50% and you talk about a new entrepreneur creating jobs; be realistic.
ou toe sort
@Richteous: Do you know that the other contractors are also locals. PWC has as many as 90+ staff and ACE has approximately 20+. What is your point?
Let us say it as it is: PWC and ACE are much more qualified for a sensitive project of this nature and why would Government even after Nanton tender is much higher and less qualified would still be awarded the contract? What Corruption!
rubbish!!
kickback, kickback, kickback, kickback, kickback, kickback, kickback, kickback, kickback, kickback, kickback, kickback
kickback, kickback, kickback, kickback, kickback, kickback,
kickback, kickback, kickback, kickback, kickback, kickback,
kickback
kickback
kickback
kickback
kickback
kickback
kickback
kickback
kickback
AMEN
I thought it was a non-Dominican company who won the contract that is the reason there is this paid advertisement I really believed it was another country contractors.
So the government cannot decide who they should give a contract too? Maybe it is time we looked at who got contracts when the UWP was in Government. DNO could you provide us with a list?
I know people who got contracts and who were UWP supporters when the UWP was the government. I know people who lost their jobs when the UWP won the Elections in 1995. Can anyone deny that happened?
Do you want us to believe that Labour Party supporters will get all the contracts under a UWP government and no UWP supporters will get any?
Then you can tell us it never rains in Dominica and we will believe that too.
the ordinary man/woman on the street donot understand what is happening..they donot see the clear picture..all they see is what is important to them and that is begging skerrit for handouts..skerrit have brought begging to a whole new level in DOMINICA..if change is not a must this time around well NOUS FINI BAT..we finish,,,
Leblanc please be transparent and tell us the value of ALL the contracts which govt has awarded to ACE. Why you complaining when, despite the fact that you are a known uwp supporter, the government has given you millions in contracts???? all shall eat and not ACE alone shall eat!
Mr. Le Blanc is not supporting no party. he is a man that is honest and has morals and values. When things like that happen you bet he will talk, don’t matter which government is in.
One should understand that the bid is not always awarded to the lowest bidder. If these complainants are so knowledgeable about contracts, this is something they should know. It is generally stated when tenders are posted. I am not saying that nepotism does not take place in these things. However, there are often other factors which come into play. I have been around this for over 25 years and it’s easy to cry sour grapes.
What factors? You present yourself as knowing so much about the process of bidding. If George Nanthan qualified based on the other criteria, the government should say so. But he did not, he only got the contract because he is Red together with his brother, the PM adviser.
Just smoke the truth!
@ River Street: What then would qualify Nanton for the Job.
Lets look: ACE- Completed the pointe michel sea wall
ACE- Wall in Fond St.Jean.
PWC- Walls in Thibaud, VielleCase, Granbay, Morne Prosper and so much more.
Nanton- Never heard of this guy, where did he work?
Qualification- ACE – Engineering company with Engineers
PWC- Engineering company with Engineers
Nanton- A TRUCK HIRING COMPANY( NANTON TRUCKING)
Full Blown Corruption.
Every company business want to save money .Who wants to spend more if they can save some?
Did Ace meet all the criteria. ACE so is your company only that must benefit from contracts, every time you bid you must be awarded not so!!!!!! Spread the bread man, non sense you are talking there. All shall eat.
So why the other companies cannot bid fairly as well. This is why you have a tender process: for the client to be able to have the best result at less cost. Now ONLY for political reasons and partnership this project was awarded to that guy who do not have the right mind and knowledge to do a job like this one. He just finish a bridge by Ross and he was doing pure nonsense on it.
AS a fact, government is giving work to non qualified people and who will pay for the repair when the jobs are not done properly.
1) Portsmouth road done by Chinese which is already in bad shape. The area just after Rodney’s rock is falling already.
2) the NEW retaining wall at river estate is already broken and the eastern part of it is falling. Who was the contractor????
A proper tender was conducted for the Roseau River Project phase 1 and because I know pple that know pple, ACE was the one that was recommended but because of their political side and their critics about ALBA, the gvmnt didn’t want them as the contractor. This is why the delay on that project occurred. And this disguised issue with the design of the wall which was well studied and designed at the first place. This was the only way to redo a “politically correct” tender. But once again the same company should have win the tender.
This is the NEXT LEVEL. Viva Labour Viva Dominica. Time will tell.
boss,
make a educated or informed comment not an idiotic one..
Enough is Enough! This project must stop, the one from Roseau South just escaped with $250K for the construction of the Silver Lake apartment building.
Please DNO, do some investigation on the real cost of the so-called $1 million apartment building.
Take a photograph of the building in Silver Lake and the people will decide if that piece of concrete, steel, blocks and aluminum louvers cost a million dollars.
Let the Reds continue to aid and abet blatant theft of the Dominican people.
Mano advising people? I must laugh.
What is Emmanuel Nanthan’so qualifications. What is he advising? Cricket i am guessing.
teachers kia get an increase police kia get an increase????? but yet still they still want to vote for this kind of people?? vote those people there out!!! what all u waiting on ?? the man not giving all u no increase in salary, elecrion coming he starting all kia peoject to fool all you again?? they not acting in our interest.teachers and police man stop playing politics is all u that suffering under high cost of living and llow salary. let me see if all u going and put back that labour power therr agaiiiinnnnn!! my godddddd. for 5 more yearsss!!!! let me see if is wickedd! all u wicked in that country!!!
Having a lower bid does not mean you must get a job
Sometimes your quality of work is base on your bid
The government is right they want a finish jod not like public works who never finishes their job
What can the PM do to please dominica’s
I wonder if ugly will do any better
@ preacher, You sure not a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ because the gospel of Christ clearly states that man was made in God’s image and likeness and as a result, man is fearfully and wonderfully made according to God’s plan Ps. 138:14. So you MUST be a preacher of Skerrit because only his preachers curse people and only his preachers call God’s creation ugly. But I understand because his followers follow his corrupt and ungodly lead. .
Really
Price……is only ONE…..aspect of a tender process.
Being the lowest, does not mean you win.
When Lang Mama told you that our government is a VAT government I am not talking about the VAT that Ian Douglas say is the axle and chassis of the Dominican economy. VAT – Vagabonds And Thieves.
When Lang Mama says P.I.G’S meaning Politicians In Government. DNO get flustered particularly since 18 P.I.G’s supposedly are taking action against Lennox for calling some P.I.G’s R.I.G’s. If I say what RIG ‘a really mean DNO will get mad at me.
@real possie
none wonder possie people backward and undervelop e put politics before ethics and morals and before development can you believe there is university who is second major employer in Dominica located in possie and yet possie so undervelop just take the look of picard this most ugly landscape i ever seen it look like jungle but again that possie people they soo blind in there politics i expected that answer
Praying and looking forward to the day when people will be held accountable and face justice for corruption and mismanagement of the public purse.
All cochoni have their day. Toute cochoni ni samdi yo
I really wounder what it will take for dominican to face reality..n be honest..and put DA first..we have good people that really care n love Dominica ….give them a chance to move move DA forward….without vision we will perish…..save DOMINICA we have no other choice but UWP
I really wounder what it will take for dominican to face reality..n be honest..and put DA first..we have good people that really care n love Dominica ….give them a chance to move move DA forward….without vision we will perish…..save DOMINICA
At one time Mr blackmoore said that PWC rates were exceptionally high now it appears that their rates are too low. God help PWC. I just do not understand why would a Government not consider two institutions with qualified Engineers to handle this project bit instead have chosen to give it to a man who is neither an Engineer nor a technician. All three company had the same duration yet the highest bidder was awarded the contract. PWC as i can recall build walls of similar nature in Thibaud, Penville, Morne Proper and not forgetting the Sea defence wall in Grandbay. Ace also constructed similar walls in Fond St.Jean and recently partnered with C.O.Williams in the Pte.Michel sea defence wall. Nanton, I am not too sure if he ever constructed a chicken pen already. What a shame and an embarrassment.
Two Engineering firms were left out for a novice. I guess education and experience does not “carry weigh” for this administration. I just wonder what the technical division in the ministry of public works have to say. Speak up CTO, Senior Engineers, P.S , Quantity Surveyors and other senior officers.
ENGINEER my big toe.George is not a QUALIFIED ENGINEER.they just want to give him the job cause he is a LABOUR supporter. N REAL POSSIE KNOWS THAT.STOP PLAYING DUMB REAL POSSIE.THEY WILL CHEW U N SPIT U OUT
.
tony, Swanston carbon back in 1980 at Tokie’s shop coined the phrase as follows, IS GREEDY THEY GREEDY, tony u have got millions millions of projects already, all shall eat, u want all is greedy u greedy, the state does not have to accept your lower bid, the clause is there. u must let others eat, friends must eat also not only the enemies must get like fat kiatzz
@Peter KARAM : If you claim is greedy he greedy why then when Government refused to buy a stupid FORD or Hyundai from you, you cry just like a little baby.
Is Greedy you Greedy to? Why then you do not allow other automobile dealers to get a piece of the pie also? You too greedy!!!!!!!
Anthony have all d equipment to do the job he dosent have to rent anything so he can bid that price it is not underbidding real possie .
He has the equipment and someone else has to rent theirs. He has his investment cost so what’s your point. Do you know that it is sometimes cheaper to rent than buy. Guess you didn’t.
@ I know, I guess he has a cement plant too, so George has no equipment of his own? you see where the problem lies this question we would have like to ask the owner of Ace but there’s no journalist around to ask anything cause this was paid and one sided. Just really gave thought to what you tried to imply when these people gives out contract they don’t look at if you have your own equipment or not they know what is required to handle the job so what you tried to imply made no sense, if you have your own well more money for you, that’s the reason there’s a process in bidding cause if that’s the case Ace would always end up with all the work because he has the means and the little man you all always cry about will stay the little man or die out.
its under de table money, called kickback
Parry, I would advise the Prime Minister never give the people of Dominica the impression that his actions are always covered with the veil of nepotism and favoritism. For instance, the awarding of a contract to his political advisor’s brother. The alleged duty free to his girl friend now his wife. Two high powered brothers working in the same Ministry of Government.
There is always a good reason why this tender received the job over the others. The successful tender may be the more reliable, stable one to properly construct the Roseau River Promenade in record time.
Facts, best I give you my brains. Yours is dead.
You call corruption a good reason, cause there no other reason.
Have you seen the list of some of the projects undertaken by ACE Engineering? If not, look at http://ace-engineering-ltd.com/projects.html.
I am not aware of any similar projects completed by George Nanthan. Could you share with me and others?
Some of you cannot stand to hear/read the truth but it will be told whether you like it or not. You will never change things. Therefore, let it be.
Teachers, Police, Nurses, other Public Servants will get no or hardly any increase. PWC will be in debt and workers cannot get paid on time for work done. But to many is no problem if that highest bidder getting the job for the river wall project. They like it so.
Do not be fooled my people. Georgey is awarded the project. He is the front man. But is not he alone. You do not see or hear the real guys. The main beneficiaries. Is there something called Kick-backs? Right?
Tony is right on the ball. Govt. do not care two hoots about tax-payers having to foot the extra $$$$$$$$$ that going we know where.
Really, who has more capacity, experience, outstanding track record, competence as it relates to such infrastructural works? ACE Engineering or Nanton?
Who bid much less for the project? Who would deliver a more professional job? ACE and PWC, with qualified engineers, whose bid was much lower than Georgey’s (not an engineer), was cast aside.
Is so Dominica come under Skerritt DLP Govt.? Unfairness a plenty. How Long? Not Long !!!!!
So two well established entities with proven civil engineers were given the boot for God knows what. So why employ a tender process in the first place, if a party crony was the winner from the outset?
Anthony I have been following your posts for some time and guess that you currently reside in the US as I do. At least over here a clear distinction is made between engineer and contractor. Matter of fact there is no legal obligation that a contractor be knowledgeable of the means and methods of executing a particular project as long as he can show that he has within his organization the qualified and experienced personnel to undertake and complete the project within the time, in the manner specified and meet the financial demands of the contract. Construction takes place after engineering is complete.
This is just the tip of the iceberg ask about the …… guy that got the contract when his bid was not the lowest just because he is a labour boom boom fly. This administration is so corupt its mot funny the state is wasting the resources of the country just for a few to get rich
Thats y change is a must…. we cannot sit idly by and allow money to just walk out of our treasury!!!!
expose them!
I for sure, not surprised at all. Wicked set of people. Their Saturday is right around the corner. All of those suckers need to go to prison.
Anthony,One wonders if you were given the job,what song you would have sang!?
are u seeing properly and or reading and understanding the article? The man speaking about the injustice that we the tax payers has to suffer because of mismanagement of funds. If u go by Nassif to buy n u think it may be cheaper at Astaphans n while checking up on the prices u find it more at Astaphans you dont care if u tired but to go back by Nassief even if is a few dollars more . Is the same thing the man saying in the article . when they finish vat is the main income generator of the government . Alas nous fini bat.
He would have won on merit, and that’s what he is advocating. Tony’s song is for an open, transparent and fair procurement process. He can challenge the government in the court where there is a clear breach of the law. Anthony, check the Finance (Administration) Act and the procurement law if it has been enacted.
Giving Anthony the job would be the right thing to do… There would be no song necessary. Thanks.
Anthony is a level headed, independent and qualified engineer. I say qualified not from having an engineering degree but by his proven ability to deliver quality work on time and to effectively manage such projects.
So he does not have to sing any party song. Not red not blue, not any colour.
Only people who begging for their supper and waiting for scraps to fall from the supper table who has to sing to party tunes. Tony only sings in his church choir. He sings for the glory of God. Get it straight you hungry croney.
Another one of our Professional is speaking……It was our Dear Doctor now it is the qualified Engineer who cannot allow this saga to continue.
This administration don’t like people with a voice that are willing to stand up against wrong doing at the expense of our people.
Not sure how this constant behavior by this Skerrit administration will attract our professionals from outside to return and help build this country.
Were the bidders required to submit their technical plans for the project to arrive at their costing? I would love to see the comparison.
nanthan is a heavy equipment owner not an engineer
Which Nanthan is the owner? George or his brother??
and then they crying teachers not teacing, police selling drugs, fireman playing dominoes, nurses pounding beff…. well let skerrit do his job properly and the rest will follow
Thanks Tony for your boldness and bravery. These days it sure takes a bold and brave person to expose the corruption of Skerrit and his gang. However, with my knowledge of this cabal and the corrupt manner in which they operate, I sure did not need any scientific proof to conclude that there was an agenda to award George Nanthan such project. After all, we all know that Nanthan is not qualified to built a pit latrine for a poor person let alone to over pay him by 25% to build important government project. Let’s try to connect those dots here and I sure need some help: Is George Nanthan related to the PM’s advisor – Emmanuel (Mano) Nanthan? Doesn’t that same George Nanthan have some heavy equpments in the Portsmouth area? Does Mano have shares in those heavy equipment? What about the very top government minister? Is the company a TRINITY but only registered on one man’s name? If the answer is yes to any of the questions, then understand why it was no big deal for government to overpay George Nanthan by over 24%, with no experience or knowledge of construction. Boy look corruption in this country!
I was like “here we go again….uwp hitting the government hard.” Then I see by Anthony Leblanc. I like that. I really, really like that.
Thanks so much for sharing Mr. Leblanc.
“I learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
Nelson Mandela
I admire your courage to speak out against the injustices that is happening in our land. Be not afraid because what is hidden will definitely come to light especially as it pertains to politics and Dominica. Change is a MUST!
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
Deliberate acts of extreme mismanagement should never go unpunished! This is group malfeasance by the entire government. This is too clear not to be seen. I lament the fact that some people continue to condone malpractice in this country. This goes for the DLP as well a the UWP.
Such behaviour promotes mediocrity in performance, little or no integrity, acceptance of corruption and a feeling of “boy, I give up”.
Pure crap to the none suspecting people who knows nothing about building or construction would fall for this you underbid the project knowing is slave labor you would use, this is sad when we have to bring politics into a contracting bid thank God there’s people that can speak as to the going on in that process and it was not done behind closed doors. Sir. can you tell us how much it would cost for the concrete to complete the whole job? and tell me will there be any boulder in the river that might need blasting because it is said you have to use backhoes and to level out and clean the river, guess you getting your monies worth you paid for this any way that’s how relevant this story is and to me that’s all this is a story.
I feel like taking you to school but then why bring a makac like you to learn.if George knows about site conditions that the other bidder don’t know about that is grounds for protest but since there is deliberately no procurement bill then theread is no ground for ptotest.
Real Porssie aren’t tired of making an arsee of yourself. Do you even listen or read what you right. It is a shame that You give people the impression that we are an ignorant people.
I wonder really if u know anything about construction and the process therein. wonder what do u know of the rates and the type of employee that George employes. Do u know of any safety policy for employees used by George. Have u any knowledge of ACE or PWI status on building of river and sea defence. Drive to point mitchel and Fond St Jean and see for yourself and then go to newtown primary school site and compare. Dont be a jackass.
Be on guard Mr Leblanc for speaking out but if the eyes of true D/can patriots you’re a hero…
Punishment will be inflicted on you as vengeance for this by the Labour Party.
What’s the name of the finance minister and how much does he get for this job … above and below the line?
We also need to ask, what is the name of the Chief Procurement Officer, what community is he from and what job did he do and resign from to take up that post. Food for thought
Anthony, I am very proud of you for exposing what obviously is the norm under this current administration. Unfortunately, given what I have seen of late, it really saddens me, that this current administration continues with their corrupt practices and most of the population choose to remain silent. A small boys club continue to enjoy the spoils and get filthy rich (very quickly at that) while the majority of the citizens continue to live either on the poverty line or below it. I was so disgusted last week Wednesday when I passed by the Financial Centre at 6:50 am and noticed that a group of approximately 35 persons (mainly women in red shirts) had already lined up outside the Financial Centre to get their handout from the PM of all people. Then I visit the PMH and watch the elderly and others who are incapable of helping themselves suffer and wet their beds as the one aid on duty is insufficient to assist the # of patients on the ward, while the nurses all appear overwhelmed with other duties. Why not send some of these able bodied young men and women to work on the wards to earn a salary rather than continue to hand them money weekly? What a sick society we have turned this country into. I wonder when the citizens are finally going to say “enough is enough”!
I remember the UWI wall Tony said the same thing and it all fell on death ears; so day light robbery is taking place right infront of us and we Dummy-in-cans just accepting this crap
The rich is getting richer while the poor is begging.Lord have mercy.
I applaud you, Sir, we expect you will receive your political bashing on the animal show. Already, Tony has said, the Skeritt led Administration does not have to bind itself to the lowest bidder. Fortunately, you don’t own a supermarket, a certain ex Minister of Government has been bridled, and so, apart from the animal show, you don’t have nothing to worry about. Fear no more, change is a must for sure.
we will see if this project will even get started and if it does some minister is getting a cut under the table
This is only a gleamer of what goes on behind decisions (not based on public interests or accountability) that goes on for not only for major civil and infrastructure work but other activities billed to the public purse. Sadly the public is less concerned about accountability and priorities or even corruption but more about the politics of doing. We have to continue to keep their feet to the fire!
Dear John, dear John, I see corruption!
Does George Nanthan employ engineers? What is his level of education? Last I checked, both Ace and PWC employ engineers, real engineers who actually went to school and graduated with degrees in their field. Is the PM saying that George Nanthan who is unqualified to build a dog house, better at building than engineers?
@scratch my head. You want to know what is more puzzling? The same prime minister who make his promise of one college graduate in a home. Yet you get an education, only to be insulted and disrespected by an insecure man. All these folks who felt gov gave them scholarships and are afraid to talk, I tell you this: the money you got was from the state and your sole responsibility is to the state, not no political party. Time to speak out. Let the revolution begin. You do not owe skeritt crap for he himself got help to go new Mexico and he use to walk to sifocol and went up against the gov that helped him. Your only responsibility is for an advance Dominica.
Time to put our country first. This is wrong in every sense.
Scratching head
These are reasonable questions and I agree that there must be concern about the job being technically and structurally correctly done. That river is no joke and we have seen its power when out of control so the concern is valid and I do hope that the gentleman awarded the contract has the necessary competence to implement the works.
On another note, I was pleased to hear the ACE representative hasten to add in his interview on Marpin news that ACE was awarded tenders on previous occasions and that he has worked very well with the officials of the Ministry in the past. One must conclude therefore, that when ACE was awarded, the Government officials acted fairly and with integrity.
On balance therefore, I was just wondering if the public could also be informed whether in the tenders awarded to ACE previously, through the same process and with the same officials, ACE’s was the lowest tender every time it was awarded. It could very well be but it would be good to know.
I was also wondering whether the implication of some of the comments that I am reading here is that no Dominican remotely related to any member of Government should be awarded any contract at all, no matter how deserving. Should they find somewhere else to live and work?
While I do not know the facts and would be the last to defend any wrongdoing, I believe every tender advertisement I have ever heard, whether to sell a vehicle or build a fowl house has always stated that the advertiser of the tender does not bind itself to accept the “lowest” and some in recent times have added “highest” tender.
That is how it has always been folks, even if some of us would like to behave as if Dominica is a new country which just fell to the earth about a decade ago.
You are very right Barbara. Additionally, bids will be
honored from the most responsive and responsible participants. Liability insurance, material, bid and performance bonds must be presented on time for consideration if that were part of the contractor prequalification requirement.
Mr. Leblanc I commend you for putting this out. In a normal system the award could and should be given time for a challenge. It is not fair to you or any company. I do not understand how one man is more expensive than to established coorperations and he wins.
We have a system and finance minister that operates on emotions and psychology but no financial common sense. I am waiting for that day skerrit is no longer where he is and is arrested for his actions while in government. Every rope have an end no matter how long and how strong.
I think this coming election will determine the mental maturity of our people. This has gotten out of hand too long.
My God, this is devastating, and in some respects,sobering. It is devastating evidence which lays bare the skeleton in the closet, the ugly truth of what really goes on behind the curtains.
I could never imagine the extent to which the public finances of this country are being mismanaged, or squandered.
The onus is clearly upon the Skerrit administration to explain, if at all there is an explanation. Then again, we should not be surprised considering the shady dealings dubbed “Binbobol” involving the purchase of garbage bins which in itself has become a metaphor for the corruption of the Skerrit regime.
I suppose there will be an explanation or a defense of this latest scandal on the Animal Show. I will be listening carefully.
WELL DONE TONY……… SPEAK YOUR MIND AND TRUTH TO POWER!!!!!!
Corruption, ,corruption and more corruption………how long notlong
Tony, I applaud your courage my brother. My only fear is that speaking out in Dominica makes one an endangered species. I hope that is not the case with you and prayer that as Technical people disseminate information in bit size form that anyone with miniscule understanding will see the information for what it is and not bend it like Beckam in any partisan way.
One more brave soul dares to speak. Well now watch out for the backlash. Surely you will never get another contract from me or any member of my family.