PLP to announce three more general election candidates
By BRENT DEAN ~ NG Senior Reporter ~ brentldean@nasguard.com:
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) is moving closer to announcing its candidates for two Grand Bahama and one New Providence constituency for the next general election, The Nassau Guardian understands.
Sources have confirmed that attorney Greg Moss (former president of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce) and Dr. Michael Darville (currently a senator) are the two front-runners for two Grand Bahama nominations, and attorney Arnold Forbes is leading the way for the Mt. Moriah nomination in New Providence.
The PLP's National General Council is scheduled to meet tonight. It is unclear if these potential candidates, or others, will be ratified at this meeting.
Jerome Fitzgerald (Marathon), Michael Halkitis (Golden Isles), Hope Strachan (Sea Breeze) and Dr. Kendal Major (Garden Hills) were the first candidates to be ratified by the party in March.
The PLP is active in its candidate selection process.
Last Thursday, during the budget debate a think tank within the party referred to as 'the caucus,' which supports PLP leader Perry Christie, held an informal rally at the party's Farrington Road headquarters that eventually was attended by party parliamentarians who walked out of the House of Assembly that night.
Main speakers at the rally were Fitzgerald, former senator Paulette Zonicle and Dr. Major.
MPs who walked out of the House also addressed the group of supporters.
Party sources have also confirmed that attorney Randol Dorsett is the front-runner for the Pinewood nomination, attorneys Keith Bell and Dion Smith for the Kennedy nomination and attorney Myles Laroda for the South Beach seat.
The party hierarchy is said to be interested in nominating candidates well ahead of the election, to give the PLP a better chance at winning seats that were close in the last general election.
Whether or not any candidates are ratified tonight, it is expected that the next wave of candidates would be announced within the next few weeks.
With the party's leadership and candidates committee having been interviewing candidates for some time, it is possible that a large number of candidates would be named within the next few months.
June 17, 2010
thenassauguardian
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Showing posts with label Jerome Fitzgerald. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jerome Fitzgerald. Show all posts
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Front-runners Emerge for the Pinewood, South Beach and Kennedy Constituencies
Front-runners emerge in PLP candidate selection process
By BRENT DEAN ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ brentldean@nasguard.com:
Front-runners are emerging in the Progressive Liberal Party's consideration process for the Pinewood, South Beach and Kennedy constituencies, The Nassau Guardian has learned.
Party sources have confirmed that attorney Randol Dorsett is the front-runner for the Pinewood nomination, attorneys Keith Bell and Dion Smith for the Kennedy nomination and attorney Myles Laroda for the South Beach seat.
The PLP is active in its candidate selection process, having already named four candidates for the next general election.
Jerome Fitzgerald (Marathon), Michael Halkitis (Golden Isles), Hope Strachan (Sea Breeze) and Dr. Kendal Major (Garden Hills) were the first to be ratified by the party.
With the public announcement this week by former PLP Pinewood MP Allyson Maynard-Gibson that she will not seek a nomination to run in the next general election, party insiders said Dorsett currently is the "lead horse" in the race to succeed her as the party's next area candidate.
However, it is understood that there is competition for the Kennedy nomination. Former PLP MP Franklyn Wilson supports attorney Keith Bell. Bell works as an attorney at Sunshine Finance, which is a part of the Sunshine Group of Companies, of which Wilson is chairman.
Attorney Dion Smith is said to have good support among young people in the party. Sources said Smith had an impressive group of young supporters at an event at PLP headquarters last week.
After the sudden death several months ago of the PLP's likely candidate for the South Beach constituency attorney Dwayne Hanna, new faces emerged for consideration.
Sources said that Laroda has the support of the PLP's South Beach branch executive and influential stalwart councilors in the area.
The party is in the advanced stage of determining who will be its candidate for South Beach.
Others up for consideration by the party in that constituency include: Attorneys Fayne Thompson and Romauld Ferreira, former Young Liberals leader Viraj Perpall, Dr. Lynwood Brown and 2007 area candidate Wallace Rolle.
The PLP has also interviewed numerous female potential candidates. Some have been interviewed for specific areas, like (Paulette Zonicle for St. Cecilia). Party sources said others, such as attorney Cheryl Bazard and banker Gina Brown, are also under consideration to be candidates, though no area has yet been selected.
May 21, 2010
thenassauguardian
By BRENT DEAN ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ brentldean@nasguard.com:
Front-runners are emerging in the Progressive Liberal Party's consideration process for the Pinewood, South Beach and Kennedy constituencies, The Nassau Guardian has learned.
Party sources have confirmed that attorney Randol Dorsett is the front-runner for the Pinewood nomination, attorneys Keith Bell and Dion Smith for the Kennedy nomination and attorney Myles Laroda for the South Beach seat.
The PLP is active in its candidate selection process, having already named four candidates for the next general election.
Jerome Fitzgerald (Marathon), Michael Halkitis (Golden Isles), Hope Strachan (Sea Breeze) and Dr. Kendal Major (Garden Hills) were the first to be ratified by the party.
With the public announcement this week by former PLP Pinewood MP Allyson Maynard-Gibson that she will not seek a nomination to run in the next general election, party insiders said Dorsett currently is the "lead horse" in the race to succeed her as the party's next area candidate.
However, it is understood that there is competition for the Kennedy nomination. Former PLP MP Franklyn Wilson supports attorney Keith Bell. Bell works as an attorney at Sunshine Finance, which is a part of the Sunshine Group of Companies, of which Wilson is chairman.
Attorney Dion Smith is said to have good support among young people in the party. Sources said Smith had an impressive group of young supporters at an event at PLP headquarters last week.
After the sudden death several months ago of the PLP's likely candidate for the South Beach constituency attorney Dwayne Hanna, new faces emerged for consideration.
Sources said that Laroda has the support of the PLP's South Beach branch executive and influential stalwart councilors in the area.
The party is in the advanced stage of determining who will be its candidate for South Beach.
Others up for consideration by the party in that constituency include: Attorneys Fayne Thompson and Romauld Ferreira, former Young Liberals leader Viraj Perpall, Dr. Lynwood Brown and 2007 area candidate Wallace Rolle.
The PLP has also interviewed numerous female potential candidates. Some have been interviewed for specific areas, like (Paulette Zonicle for St. Cecilia). Party sources said others, such as attorney Cheryl Bazard and banker Gina Brown, are also under consideration to be candidates, though no area has yet been selected.
May 21, 2010
thenassauguardian
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Confidential report: water plant would have made $4m loss with Bahamian group BK Water
Confidential report: water plant would have made $4m loss with Bahamian group
By NEIL HARTNELL
Tribune Business Editor:
A CONFIDENTIAL review conducted for former Prime Minister Perry Christie on the "faulty and chaotic" bidding process for the Arawak Cay reverse osmosis plant found that there would have been "a loss of $4-$5 million" during the plant's life had the Water & Sewerage Corporation gone with a Bahamian investor group's bid.
The January 25, 2006, review carried out for Mr Christie by financial advisor Deepak Bhatnagar described the "introduction" of BK Water - a group headed by current PLP Senator Jerome Fitzgerald and Mark Finlayson - into the bidding process, and the issuance of a conditional acceptance of its offer, as "not in order", citing numerous reasons.
The report detailed how then-Water & Sewerage Corporation general manager, Abraham Butler, on November 8, 2005, made a recommendation that BK Water be awarded the Arawak Cay contract following a November 4, 2005, meeting with "the Hon. Minister of Works" who, at the time, was Bradley Roberts.
Mr Bhatnagar's report indicates that the November 4, 2005, meeting was designed to see how any obstacles preventing the award of the contract to BK Water - whose members are well-known PLP members and supporters - could be overcome.
"The (November 4) meeting 'authorised' a second review to permit administrators and the accountants of Water & Sewerage to evaluate differences or variations that 'prevents the execution of a contract between Water & Sewerage Corporation and BK/Veolia'," Mr Bhatnagar's report said.
Following these goings on, Mr Butler on November 11, 2005, sent a letter informing BK Water that it had won the Arawak Cay contract subject to Cabinet approval. Such approval was not forthcoming.
Mr Bhatnagar's report appears to contradict assertions by Mr Roberts that he had no involvement with the Arawak Cay reverse osmosis plant contract, referring to "discussions held on price, technical and legal issues" involving the Veolia/BK Water bid that were followed "by a meeting between Water & Sewerage, Veolia and the Minister of Works on October 7, 2005."
As a result: "Minister (Mr Roberts) instructed both parties to resume discussions and resolve by October 14, 2005, inclusive of a revised pricing policy by Veolia." BK Water was Veolia's Bahamian partner.
And Mr Bhatnagar's report refers to "further discussions held between Veolia, Minister and chairman in Barbados" at a conference, with a revised proposal received from Veolia/BK Water on October 19, 2005.
The report seems at odds with Mr Roberts' claims that allegations linking him to negotiations with Veolia/BK Water over the Arawak Cay plant were "utter BS".
"In general, it appears that the procedure followed in consideration of the bids by the Board and management of Water & Sewerage for the Arawak plant is faulty and chaotic, and I have detailed my findings based on my examination of the Board Minutes, which indicates that there is no proper record of consideration of the bids and/or approval of the bids right up to the issuance of the conditional letter of acceptance to BK Water," Mr Bhatnagar told the then-Prime Minister.
"A similar faulty procedure was followed in the Blue Hills reverse osmosis plant project, whereby at one stage Biwater was agreed to be issued a letter of acceptance. This has resulted in Water & Sewerage having to face litigation from Biwater in the form of an injunction."
Outlining the confused bidding process for the contract to build and operate the Arawak Cay reverse osmosis plant, which would sell water to the Water & Sewerage Corporation, Mr Bhatnagar's report details how the original process was annulled on June 22, 2005, by the Corporation's Board. Instructions were then issued to negotiate with Veolia.
No mention was made of BK Water at this point, reflecting the Board's desire to deal with Veolia instead. It wanted to develop a strategic partnership with "a viable organisation", and Mr Bhatnagar said: "This surely meant the Board was to create a strategic partnership with Veolia and not BK.
"The latter was formed only for the purpose of the Arawak Cay reverse osmosis plant, and does not have any track record either in the Bahamas or internationally. As per letter from Higgs & Johnson, BK Water is controlled by Messrs Jerome Fitzgerald, Mark Finlayson, Prince Wallace and Judson Wilmott."
Handing the contract to BK did not meet the "strategic partnership with a viable international organisation" condition, Mr Bhatnagar wrote, because Veolia would not be involved in the Arawak Cay plant's operations. Nor was there a true joint venture partnership between BK Water and Veolia, but a contractor/sub-contractor relationship.
"The Board ought to have pursued negotiations with Veolia," Mr Bhatnagar concluded.
"But the process got polluted with the emergence of BK Water and Board's entertaining to deal with BK Water rather than Veolia.
"The focus of forming a 'strategic partnership with an international company' was altogether lost."
May 06, 2010
tribune242
By NEIL HARTNELL
Tribune Business Editor:
A CONFIDENTIAL review conducted for former Prime Minister Perry Christie on the "faulty and chaotic" bidding process for the Arawak Cay reverse osmosis plant found that there would have been "a loss of $4-$5 million" during the plant's life had the Water & Sewerage Corporation gone with a Bahamian investor group's bid.
The January 25, 2006, review carried out for Mr Christie by financial advisor Deepak Bhatnagar described the "introduction" of BK Water - a group headed by current PLP Senator Jerome Fitzgerald and Mark Finlayson - into the bidding process, and the issuance of a conditional acceptance of its offer, as "not in order", citing numerous reasons.
The report detailed how then-Water & Sewerage Corporation general manager, Abraham Butler, on November 8, 2005, made a recommendation that BK Water be awarded the Arawak Cay contract following a November 4, 2005, meeting with "the Hon. Minister of Works" who, at the time, was Bradley Roberts.
Mr Bhatnagar's report indicates that the November 4, 2005, meeting was designed to see how any obstacles preventing the award of the contract to BK Water - whose members are well-known PLP members and supporters - could be overcome.
"The (November 4) meeting 'authorised' a second review to permit administrators and the accountants of Water & Sewerage to evaluate differences or variations that 'prevents the execution of a contract between Water & Sewerage Corporation and BK/Veolia'," Mr Bhatnagar's report said.
Following these goings on, Mr Butler on November 11, 2005, sent a letter informing BK Water that it had won the Arawak Cay contract subject to Cabinet approval. Such approval was not forthcoming.
Mr Bhatnagar's report appears to contradict assertions by Mr Roberts that he had no involvement with the Arawak Cay reverse osmosis plant contract, referring to "discussions held on price, technical and legal issues" involving the Veolia/BK Water bid that were followed "by a meeting between Water & Sewerage, Veolia and the Minister of Works on October 7, 2005."
As a result: "Minister (Mr Roberts) instructed both parties to resume discussions and resolve by October 14, 2005, inclusive of a revised pricing policy by Veolia." BK Water was Veolia's Bahamian partner.
And Mr Bhatnagar's report refers to "further discussions held between Veolia, Minister and chairman in Barbados" at a conference, with a revised proposal received from Veolia/BK Water on October 19, 2005.
The report seems at odds with Mr Roberts' claims that allegations linking him to negotiations with Veolia/BK Water over the Arawak Cay plant were "utter BS".
"In general, it appears that the procedure followed in consideration of the bids by the Board and management of Water & Sewerage for the Arawak plant is faulty and chaotic, and I have detailed my findings based on my examination of the Board Minutes, which indicates that there is no proper record of consideration of the bids and/or approval of the bids right up to the issuance of the conditional letter of acceptance to BK Water," Mr Bhatnagar told the then-Prime Minister.
"A similar faulty procedure was followed in the Blue Hills reverse osmosis plant project, whereby at one stage Biwater was agreed to be issued a letter of acceptance. This has resulted in Water & Sewerage having to face litigation from Biwater in the form of an injunction."
Outlining the confused bidding process for the contract to build and operate the Arawak Cay reverse osmosis plant, which would sell water to the Water & Sewerage Corporation, Mr Bhatnagar's report details how the original process was annulled on June 22, 2005, by the Corporation's Board. Instructions were then issued to negotiate with Veolia.
No mention was made of BK Water at this point, reflecting the Board's desire to deal with Veolia instead. It wanted to develop a strategic partnership with "a viable organisation", and Mr Bhatnagar said: "This surely meant the Board was to create a strategic partnership with Veolia and not BK.
"The latter was formed only for the purpose of the Arawak Cay reverse osmosis plant, and does not have any track record either in the Bahamas or internationally. As per letter from Higgs & Johnson, BK Water is controlled by Messrs Jerome Fitzgerald, Mark Finlayson, Prince Wallace and Judson Wilmott."
Handing the contract to BK did not meet the "strategic partnership with a viable international organisation" condition, Mr Bhatnagar wrote, because Veolia would not be involved in the Arawak Cay plant's operations. Nor was there a true joint venture partnership between BK Water and Veolia, but a contractor/sub-contractor relationship.
"The Board ought to have pursued negotiations with Veolia," Mr Bhatnagar concluded.
"But the process got polluted with the emergence of BK Water and Board's entertaining to deal with BK Water rather than Veolia.
"The focus of forming a 'strategic partnership with an international company' was altogether lost."
May 06, 2010
tribune242
Bradley Roberts denies conspiring with former Water and Sewerage chairman Don Demeritte
Bradley Roberts denies conspiring with former Water and Sewerage chairman
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
PLP chairman Bradley Roberts has denied claims he conspired with the former Water and Sewerage Corporation chairman to offer a lucrative contract to a PLP member as alleged during testimony in an industrial tribunal.
The former Minister of Works and Utilities was said by sacked Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) engineer Mario Bastian to have conspired with former Corporation chairman Don Demeritte to call off the bidding process for a reverse osmosis plant to start negotiations with BK Water Limited/Veolia, whose principal was Jerome Fitzgerald, now a PLP senator.
The deal, according to the testimony given before the Industrial Tribunal, was allegedly discussed before Mr Bastian's termination from the corporation in September, 2006. In his testimony, Mr Bastian claimed it would have cost Bahamians millions of dollars more to have gone with BK Water. However, the plan did not go ahead as the PLP government was voted out of office the following May, the tribunal was told.
Mr Roberts was unwilling to devote any time to the claims when asked by The Tribune yesterday, angrily shrugging off all allegations as false and of little cause for concern.
"It is utter BS," Mr Roberts said.
And when asked to comment in further detail, he added: "I was emphatic with you, that is utter BS!
"I never met the young man in my life, I never dealt with individuals at the corporation, the board of directors was it.
"There is nothing for me to defend myself about.
"This is like water off a duck's back for Bradley Roberts."
Mr Demeritte declined the opportunity to speak publicly on the matter as he is due to appear as a witness at the tribunal.
However the tribunal, presided over by Harrison Lockhart which met on Monday, has now been postponed indefinitely owing to the ill health of an attorney, a court official told The Tribune yesterday.
Mr Bastian claims he was wrongfully dismissed from WSC, and victimised because he refused to engage in unprofessional and unscrupulous management practices. He also alleges breach of contract and damage to his reputation.
However, Corporation officials maintain they terminated Mr Bastian's contract as he was simultaneously serving as a director of CBA Engineering Ltd, a company in direct competition with WSC.
Mr Bastian denied the conflict of interest allegation, but raised further allegations about a WSC conspiracy to waste millions of dollars paid by hardworking Bahamian taxpayers by engaging in an economically nonsensical contract with BK Water/Veolia.
He told the hearing on Monday how WSC general manager Abraham Butler gave a directive to end the bidding process and engage in negotiations with BK Water/Veolia.
Negotiations began but were stopped when the government changed in May 2007.
WSC counsel Thomas Evans, QC, said Mr Bastian was accusing Mr Roberts, Mr Demeritte, and other WSC senior officials of, "a dastardly conspiracy to rob Bahamian people of millions of dollars."
However, Mr Bastian alleged that WSC chairman Demeritte manipulated the corporation and intimidated him into providing information about Mr Butler that could lead to his dismissal as the chairman inferred that he (Bastian) would be sacked if he did not comply, and promoted if he did.
Mr Demeritte and Mr Butler reached an irreconcilable position when the general manager criticised the chairman's "unauthorised" promotion of minor staff to lucrative positions in February 2006.
The promotions soon prompted industrial action when employees learned 56 staff had been promoted twice within 12 months, while 45 were twice overlooked.
And as fights erupted between Mr Butler, Mr Demeritte and union members, Mr Butler was removed from the corporation under the PLP.
Mr Bastian wants the tribunal to decide if the corporation was justified in terminating his contract.
May 05, 2010
tribune242
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
PLP chairman Bradley Roberts has denied claims he conspired with the former Water and Sewerage Corporation chairman to offer a lucrative contract to a PLP member as alleged during testimony in an industrial tribunal.
The former Minister of Works and Utilities was said by sacked Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) engineer Mario Bastian to have conspired with former Corporation chairman Don Demeritte to call off the bidding process for a reverse osmosis plant to start negotiations with BK Water Limited/Veolia, whose principal was Jerome Fitzgerald, now a PLP senator.
The deal, according to the testimony given before the Industrial Tribunal, was allegedly discussed before Mr Bastian's termination from the corporation in September, 2006. In his testimony, Mr Bastian claimed it would have cost Bahamians millions of dollars more to have gone with BK Water. However, the plan did not go ahead as the PLP government was voted out of office the following May, the tribunal was told.
Mr Roberts was unwilling to devote any time to the claims when asked by The Tribune yesterday, angrily shrugging off all allegations as false and of little cause for concern.
"It is utter BS," Mr Roberts said.
And when asked to comment in further detail, he added: "I was emphatic with you, that is utter BS!
"I never met the young man in my life, I never dealt with individuals at the corporation, the board of directors was it.
"There is nothing for me to defend myself about.
"This is like water off a duck's back for Bradley Roberts."
Mr Demeritte declined the opportunity to speak publicly on the matter as he is due to appear as a witness at the tribunal.
However the tribunal, presided over by Harrison Lockhart which met on Monday, has now been postponed indefinitely owing to the ill health of an attorney, a court official told The Tribune yesterday.
Mr Bastian claims he was wrongfully dismissed from WSC, and victimised because he refused to engage in unprofessional and unscrupulous management practices. He also alleges breach of contract and damage to his reputation.
However, Corporation officials maintain they terminated Mr Bastian's contract as he was simultaneously serving as a director of CBA Engineering Ltd, a company in direct competition with WSC.
Mr Bastian denied the conflict of interest allegation, but raised further allegations about a WSC conspiracy to waste millions of dollars paid by hardworking Bahamian taxpayers by engaging in an economically nonsensical contract with BK Water/Veolia.
He told the hearing on Monday how WSC general manager Abraham Butler gave a directive to end the bidding process and engage in negotiations with BK Water/Veolia.
Negotiations began but were stopped when the government changed in May 2007.
WSC counsel Thomas Evans, QC, said Mr Bastian was accusing Mr Roberts, Mr Demeritte, and other WSC senior officials of, "a dastardly conspiracy to rob Bahamian people of millions of dollars."
However, Mr Bastian alleged that WSC chairman Demeritte manipulated the corporation and intimidated him into providing information about Mr Butler that could lead to his dismissal as the chairman inferred that he (Bastian) would be sacked if he did not comply, and promoted if he did.
Mr Demeritte and Mr Butler reached an irreconcilable position when the general manager criticised the chairman's "unauthorised" promotion of minor staff to lucrative positions in February 2006.
The promotions soon prompted industrial action when employees learned 56 staff had been promoted twice within 12 months, while 45 were twice overlooked.
And as fights erupted between Mr Butler, Mr Demeritte and union members, Mr Butler was removed from the corporation under the PLP.
Mr Bastian wants the tribunal to decide if the corporation was justified in terminating his contract.
May 05, 2010
tribune242
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Conspiracy claims against Bradley Roberts and Don Demeritte
Conspiracy claims against Roberts
By CANDIA DAMES ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com:
A former senior engineer at the Water and Sewerage Corporation, who was fired in 2006 for alleged conflict of interest, claimed yesterday that then PLP Minister Bradley Roberts and then Chairman Don Demeritte led a conspiracy that would have bilked Bahamians of millions of dollars.
Mario Bastian, who testified in the Industrial Tribunal, claimed that Roberts and Demeritte instructed the corporation's general manager at the time to annul the bidding process for a reverse osmosis plant at Arawak Cay, and ordered that the corporation negotiate with BK Water Limited/Veolia. BK Water's principal was Jerome Fitzgerald, now a PLP senator.
Bastian was testifying under oath before Industrial Tribunal President Harrison Lockhart.
He suggested that going with BK Water would have cost taxpayers many millions of unnecessary dollars.
Under cross-examination by the corporation's attorney, Thomas Evans QC, Bastian admitted that he had personally had no conversation with then Minister Roberts regarding the bidding process. Roberts had responsibility for the corporation.
Bastian was fired on September 4, 2006, nearly 20 years after he was hired, but he alleges he was victimized.
The corporation fired Bastian saying it had a lack of trust and confidence in him, according to the evidence. The allegation was that Bastian was an officer of a company that was in direct competition with the corporation, thus giving rise to a conflict of interest situation.
The engineer — who is represented by attorney Pericles Maillis — is claiming breach of contract, wrongful dismissal, and damage to his reputation among other things.
Bastian contends in his originating application that he was victimized by the corporation because he refused to engage in unprofessional and unscrupulous management practices.
He told the Tribunal that he received intimidating phone calls from W&SC Chairman Demeritte. The engineer claimed that at one point Demeritte called him at home and pressed him for information that could help the corporation get rid of General Manager Abraham Butler. Bastian said Demeritte told him that he had the power to promote him (Bastian) but he had to be a team player.
He also said he took the chairman's statements to mean, "If you don't work with me the highway would be your route, and so said so done."
Bastian said, "I felt intimidated in doing my job.
"If in the course of performing your job you made recommendations that were contrary to what persons in certain quarters of the corporation wanted... there was a distinct possibility that there will be repercussions."'
He claimed he told the chairman that he believed in getting promotions based on merit.
Evans submitted that there was no intimidation.
Asked by Evans why he never complained about the alleged actions of the chairman, Bastian said allegations had been made against the chairman in the past, but to no avail.
Questioned repeatedly yesterday by Evans, Bastian denied that he was involved in a conflict of interest. The engineer was a director in CBA Engineering Limited. Bastian told the Tribunal he resigned as a director after the corporation made the conflict of interest allegation.
"I elected to resign from the company (CBA). I did what any good citizen would have done under the circumstances," Bastian said. "I did nothing wrong and yet still I was penalized."
The engineer said he was angered by the allegations that had been lodged against his professional character.
He said, "Once the bullet is out the gun it's very difficult to control the damage."
But Evans suggested that the reason Bastian resigned from CBA is that he wanted to distance himself from a clear conflict of interest.
Bastian however, insisted that the corporation was unable to show any clear conflict of interest.
Evans said that Bastian was accusing the then minister, chairman and other senior officials at the corporation of "a dastardly conspiracy to rob Bahamian people of millions of dollars."
Asked to explain why he accused Roberts of conspiracy, Bastian said the instruction that came through the general manager was that the minister and chairman had given a directive to end the bidding process and engage in negotiations with BK Water/Veolia.
"This was not a standard process," he told the Tribunal.
Asked if he had relied on a hearsay statement from the general manager, Bastian repeated that he had received instructions from the GM and negotiations commenced with BK Water/Veolia.
He claimed that the chairman and other management personnel "manipulated" the corporation.
During his testimony, Bastian said BK Water never got a contract. He told the Tribunal it was because there was a change in government.
Evans said parts of Bastian's testimony were irrelevant.
What the Tribunal has to decide, he pointed out, is whether the corporation was justified in terminating Bastian.
Bastian told the Tribunal that there were clear instances of conflict of interest situations in the corporation, but he was the one singled out and his matter was not even a conflict of interest.
But Evans said whether or not other people who were guilty of conflict of interest were dealt with has no bearing on Bastian's matter before the Tribunal.
Maillis, however, insisted that Bastian was marked and that was part of the victimization.
Evans said he had a problem with Bastian going on a witch-hunt about others allegedly in conflict of interest situations.
President Lockhart then noted that there is a line of authority in industrial law that seems to suggest that the singling out of an individual who may be a part of a group of individuals seems to be unfair.
Pointing to what he suggested was a conflict of interest, Bastian said Simmons Manufacturing (which manufactures shoes) supplies boots to the corporation. The owner's wife is a manager at the corporation, he pointed out.
Evans submitted that the corporation had a relationship with Simmons Manufacturing long before Daphne Simmons was hired, but Bastian insisted this was not the case.
Bastian also claimed that he was blacklisted by the corporation after he was fired, in that the state-owned entity refused to add him to its list of approved engineers. He said he suffered severe mental and economic stress. Bastian told the Tribunal that he is currently unemployed.
Roberts and Demeritte do not have legal representation at the Tribunal. With Bastian repeatedly raising very serious allegations against them, it is unclear whether they will seek representation to defend themselves.
thenassauguardian
By CANDIA DAMES ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com:
A former senior engineer at the Water and Sewerage Corporation, who was fired in 2006 for alleged conflict of interest, claimed yesterday that then PLP Minister Bradley Roberts and then Chairman Don Demeritte led a conspiracy that would have bilked Bahamians of millions of dollars.
Mario Bastian, who testified in the Industrial Tribunal, claimed that Roberts and Demeritte instructed the corporation's general manager at the time to annul the bidding process for a reverse osmosis plant at Arawak Cay, and ordered that the corporation negotiate with BK Water Limited/Veolia. BK Water's principal was Jerome Fitzgerald, now a PLP senator.
Bastian was testifying under oath before Industrial Tribunal President Harrison Lockhart.
He suggested that going with BK Water would have cost taxpayers many millions of unnecessary dollars.
Under cross-examination by the corporation's attorney, Thomas Evans QC, Bastian admitted that he had personally had no conversation with then Minister Roberts regarding the bidding process. Roberts had responsibility for the corporation.
Bastian was fired on September 4, 2006, nearly 20 years after he was hired, but he alleges he was victimized.
The corporation fired Bastian saying it had a lack of trust and confidence in him, according to the evidence. The allegation was that Bastian was an officer of a company that was in direct competition with the corporation, thus giving rise to a conflict of interest situation.
The engineer — who is represented by attorney Pericles Maillis — is claiming breach of contract, wrongful dismissal, and damage to his reputation among other things.
Bastian contends in his originating application that he was victimized by the corporation because he refused to engage in unprofessional and unscrupulous management practices.
He told the Tribunal that he received intimidating phone calls from W&SC Chairman Demeritte. The engineer claimed that at one point Demeritte called him at home and pressed him for information that could help the corporation get rid of General Manager Abraham Butler. Bastian said Demeritte told him that he had the power to promote him (Bastian) but he had to be a team player.
He also said he took the chairman's statements to mean, "If you don't work with me the highway would be your route, and so said so done."
Bastian said, "I felt intimidated in doing my job.
"If in the course of performing your job you made recommendations that were contrary to what persons in certain quarters of the corporation wanted... there was a distinct possibility that there will be repercussions."'
He claimed he told the chairman that he believed in getting promotions based on merit.
Evans submitted that there was no intimidation.
Asked by Evans why he never complained about the alleged actions of the chairman, Bastian said allegations had been made against the chairman in the past, but to no avail.
Questioned repeatedly yesterday by Evans, Bastian denied that he was involved in a conflict of interest. The engineer was a director in CBA Engineering Limited. Bastian told the Tribunal he resigned as a director after the corporation made the conflict of interest allegation.
"I elected to resign from the company (CBA). I did what any good citizen would have done under the circumstances," Bastian said. "I did nothing wrong and yet still I was penalized."
The engineer said he was angered by the allegations that had been lodged against his professional character.
He said, "Once the bullet is out the gun it's very difficult to control the damage."
But Evans suggested that the reason Bastian resigned from CBA is that he wanted to distance himself from a clear conflict of interest.
Bastian however, insisted that the corporation was unable to show any clear conflict of interest.
Evans said that Bastian was accusing the then minister, chairman and other senior officials at the corporation of "a dastardly conspiracy to rob Bahamian people of millions of dollars."
Asked to explain why he accused Roberts of conspiracy, Bastian said the instruction that came through the general manager was that the minister and chairman had given a directive to end the bidding process and engage in negotiations with BK Water/Veolia.
"This was not a standard process," he told the Tribunal.
Asked if he had relied on a hearsay statement from the general manager, Bastian repeated that he had received instructions from the GM and negotiations commenced with BK Water/Veolia.
He claimed that the chairman and other management personnel "manipulated" the corporation.
During his testimony, Bastian said BK Water never got a contract. He told the Tribunal it was because there was a change in government.
Evans said parts of Bastian's testimony were irrelevant.
What the Tribunal has to decide, he pointed out, is whether the corporation was justified in terminating Bastian.
Bastian told the Tribunal that there were clear instances of conflict of interest situations in the corporation, but he was the one singled out and his matter was not even a conflict of interest.
But Evans said whether or not other people who were guilty of conflict of interest were dealt with has no bearing on Bastian's matter before the Tribunal.
Maillis, however, insisted that Bastian was marked and that was part of the victimization.
Evans said he had a problem with Bastian going on a witch-hunt about others allegedly in conflict of interest situations.
President Lockhart then noted that there is a line of authority in industrial law that seems to suggest that the singling out of an individual who may be a part of a group of individuals seems to be unfair.
Pointing to what he suggested was a conflict of interest, Bastian said Simmons Manufacturing (which manufactures shoes) supplies boots to the corporation. The owner's wife is a manager at the corporation, he pointed out.
Evans submitted that the corporation had a relationship with Simmons Manufacturing long before Daphne Simmons was hired, but Bastian insisted this was not the case.
Bastian also claimed that he was blacklisted by the corporation after he was fired, in that the state-owned entity refused to add him to its list of approved engineers. He said he suffered severe mental and economic stress. Bastian told the Tribunal that he is currently unemployed.
Roberts and Demeritte do not have legal representation at the Tribunal. With Bastian repeatedly raising very serious allegations against them, it is unclear whether they will seek representation to defend themselves.
thenassauguardian
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) ratifies four candidates for the next general election
By Krystel Rolle ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com:
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) yesterday officially announced its candidates for the Marathon, Golden Isles, Garden Hills and Sea Breeze constituencies -- in a move which its leader Perry Christie said would push the party forward as it readies itself for the next general election.
In a statement, the PLP said the National General Council (NGC), which is the policy arm of the organization, accepted the recommendations of the Candidates Committee and ratified Senators Jerome Fitzgerald, Michael Halkitis and Hope Strachan, along with political newcomer Dr. Kendal Major as candidates in the upcoming general election. Their nominations were accepted at the PLP headquarters on March 18.
As The Nassau Guardian reported on Thursday, Fitzgerald was nominated for Marathon; Halkitis for Golden Isles; Strachan for Sea Breeze; and Major, who is a dental specialist, was selected for Garden Hills.
The Marathon constituency is currently held by Minister of the Environment Earl Deveaux, the Sea Breeze constituency is represented by Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Carl Bethel, Garden Hills is represented by Ministry of Housing Parliamentary Secretary Brensil Rolle and Golden Isles is being represented by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Charles Maynard.
In 2007, the PLP didn't announce its slate of candidates until about six weeks before the May 2 general election. However, this time around the party is getting a jump start.
Christie said the nomination and selection process would be ongoing. He added it's important to ratify and introduce candidates to the various constituents as early as possible because of the changing needs of Bahamians and what they look for in their respective representatives.
"The [Elizabeth] by-election has reminded us and taught us a wonderful lesson: That you have to be prepared, because the constituencies are not just large but they have become more complex because of the downturn in the economy," Christie said.
"There is a significant movement of people in rental homes who are faced with challenges. So I think there is a significant move about of people in the constituencies throughout New Providence and I imagine this must be the same in places like Freeport and these urban areas. So we have to give our candidates as great of an opportunity as we possibly can to get to understand the constituency and get to know the people and allow the people to understand and meet them."
Christie said as time goes on the PLP would name its candidates on a very steady basis.
Asked when the full slate of candidates is expected to be announced, Christie said he could not be sure.
"We want to give the best opportunity to persons who may have not yet applied - who now know that the process has begun, and may be interested in entering public life for the Progressive Liberal Party," he said.
The PLP leader said the party's Candidates Committee meets every week to interview potential candidates.
"Obviously that process will continue and we involve the branches in the constituency and the community," he said, adding that the committee would then get everyone's contribution to the decision as to who the best candidate would be.
"So that's what we're doing now. So you'll find, on sort of a regular basis, we'll be pausing to name candidates."
Christie said in cases where many people are vying for the nomination to represent one constituency, they are required to consult within the constituency. Following their consultations, Christie said the Candidate's Committee then makes an assessment as to who the best representative is for that area.
The PLP has not fielded a full slate of candidates for the past several elections, opting for strategic reasons not to contest the Bamboo Town, Long Island and the former St. Margaret's constituencies.
March 22, 2010
thenassauguardian
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) yesterday officially announced its candidates for the Marathon, Golden Isles, Garden Hills and Sea Breeze constituencies -- in a move which its leader Perry Christie said would push the party forward as it readies itself for the next general election.
In a statement, the PLP said the National General Council (NGC), which is the policy arm of the organization, accepted the recommendations of the Candidates Committee and ratified Senators Jerome Fitzgerald, Michael Halkitis and Hope Strachan, along with political newcomer Dr. Kendal Major as candidates in the upcoming general election. Their nominations were accepted at the PLP headquarters on March 18.
As The Nassau Guardian reported on Thursday, Fitzgerald was nominated for Marathon; Halkitis for Golden Isles; Strachan for Sea Breeze; and Major, who is a dental specialist, was selected for Garden Hills.
The Marathon constituency is currently held by Minister of the Environment Earl Deveaux, the Sea Breeze constituency is represented by Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Carl Bethel, Garden Hills is represented by Ministry of Housing Parliamentary Secretary Brensil Rolle and Golden Isles is being represented by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Charles Maynard.
In 2007, the PLP didn't announce its slate of candidates until about six weeks before the May 2 general election. However, this time around the party is getting a jump start.
Christie said the nomination and selection process would be ongoing. He added it's important to ratify and introduce candidates to the various constituents as early as possible because of the changing needs of Bahamians and what they look for in their respective representatives.
"The [Elizabeth] by-election has reminded us and taught us a wonderful lesson: That you have to be prepared, because the constituencies are not just large but they have become more complex because of the downturn in the economy," Christie said.
"There is a significant movement of people in rental homes who are faced with challenges. So I think there is a significant move about of people in the constituencies throughout New Providence and I imagine this must be the same in places like Freeport and these urban areas. So we have to give our candidates as great of an opportunity as we possibly can to get to understand the constituency and get to know the people and allow the people to understand and meet them."
Christie said as time goes on the PLP would name its candidates on a very steady basis.
Asked when the full slate of candidates is expected to be announced, Christie said he could not be sure.
"We want to give the best opportunity to persons who may have not yet applied - who now know that the process has begun, and may be interested in entering public life for the Progressive Liberal Party," he said.
The PLP leader said the party's Candidates Committee meets every week to interview potential candidates.
"Obviously that process will continue and we involve the branches in the constituency and the community," he said, adding that the committee would then get everyone's contribution to the decision as to who the best candidate would be.
"So that's what we're doing now. So you'll find, on sort of a regular basis, we'll be pausing to name candidates."
Christie said in cases where many people are vying for the nomination to represent one constituency, they are required to consult within the constituency. Following their consultations, Christie said the Candidate's Committee then makes an assessment as to who the best representative is for that area.
The PLP has not fielded a full slate of candidates for the past several elections, opting for strategic reasons not to contest the Bamboo Town, Long Island and the former St. Margaret's constituencies.
March 22, 2010
thenassauguardian
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