ROAD TOWN, Tortola, BVI, March 27, 2011 - Talk show host, Cromwell Smith on Thursday March 24, 2011 during his radio programme made this disclosure after receiving a letter from Governor Boyd McCleary recently, which was in response to the Talk Show Hosts Alliance’s concern. The Alliance had sent a letter with some 500 signatures calling for a Commission of Inquiry into the BiWater contract.
“It was six months for us to get a response. It is a good letter and it speaks about the unity that I have been talking about for the past 16 years. The Governor said the BiWater price was a reasonable price. He said Government is getting a good deal because Ocean Conversion is charging $24 per 1,000 gallon, the same misinformation Government put forward is the same misinformation he put forward,” Mr. Smith stated.
Governor McCleary in the letter indicated that Government’s negotiating team were advised by three firms, which Mr. Smith said are all from the United Kingdom.
The talk show host revealed that Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Julian Fraser RA, George Samuel, Ray George, Vernon Malone, Mervin Charles and Lorie Rymer were part of the negotiating team.
Furthermore, Mr. Smith said the letter stated that BiWater is a reputable firm and the VI is getting the best deal for its money. However, Governor McCleary promised that he is going to ensure that the project is managed properly and everything goes fine.
But while Mr. Smith appreciated the response, he pointed out it was all about unity among the British counterparts.
“BiWater is a British Firm, they had three UK companies and they unified in making sure that BiWater is going to get that $168M. That is the unity I am talking about. They want to make sure one of their brothers get a big contract, despite what happened in Tanzania, despite their failures in South Africa, despite their failures in Panama and despite their financial woes and bankruptcy this brother is standing by his brothers and their company,” Mr. Smith charged.
He added, “That is it kind of unity I am talking about. I respect that. I am not being facetious…that is unity, that is looking out for your people.”
On, February 18, 2010, BiWater, signed a BOOT contract with Government for a sea-water desalination plant. The plant will produce 2.3 million imperial gallons of potable water per day, has a construction value of US$43 million and a subsequent 16 year operation and maintenance period.
In addition, the contract includes the design and build of two sewage treatment plants, pumping stations, extensive pipelines and reservoirs. The contract also includes the provision and installation of a water distribution leakage reduction programme complete with a tariff billing system.
The cost of water in Tortola will be substantially reduced by the new contract and full sewage treatment for the island will also be provided.
Article taken from Virgin Islands News Online - http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com
