Fair & Square :: No Corruption under this govt...

[kaylex]

Fair and square
Housing Minister, HDC boss defend $5m contract to Ish's daughter
By Anna Ramdass anna.ramdass@trinidadexpress.com

Story Created: Sep 10, 2012 at 9:54 PM ECT

Story Updated: Sep 10, 2012 at 9:54 PM ECT

Neisha Galbaransingh, director of Riverside Enterprises Ltd, was awarded a $5 million contract for the rehabilitation of a car park at Maloney Gardens through a fair and square competitive bidding process, Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal and Jearlean John, Housing Development Corporation (HDC) managing director, both said yesterday.

Galbaransingh, daughter of former United National Congress (UNC) financier Ishwar Galbaransingh, is listed as one of the directors of Riverside Enterprises Ltd according to documents obtained under the Companies Act.

On Sunday, Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley raised concerns over the contract as he read to the audience of the People's National Movement (PNM) San Fernando West constituency conference, the letter of award from HDC to Riverside Enterprises Ltd.

"It wasn't something that went out for tender. Somebody sent a proposal to the HDC and it accepted the proposal for a car park at Maloney Gardens for $5 million," Rowley had said.

However, both John and Moonilal told the Express yesterday in separate telephone interviews that there was in fact a tender process and the lowest bidder was issued a letter of award.

John said proposals ranging from $5 million to $14 million were received and according to HDC rules—the contract must be awarded to the lowest tenderer—which was Riverside Enterprises Ltd.

"We follow the tender rules scrupulously, there is nothing wrong with the competitive process...if someone sent us an unsolicited proposal we would send it back because we do not respond like that, we follow the rules," said John.

John said the HDC's tenders committee had oversight of the process.

Moonilal said that he does not get involved in the day-to-day operations of HDC but he does know that there was a competitive tender process.

"These matters are within the purview of the HDC, it was done by competitive tender, the contractor was the lowest bidder and it was properly authorised by the board," said Moonilal.

Asked about the company's director Neisha Galbaransingh and concerns over her family ties, Moonilal responded "I am not sure of that, I don't know the name of the company...but even if it is, the person is not debarred from work...it is morally and legally wrong that someone be denied work in Trinidad and Tobago because of any relation,".

The Express obtained a copy of the letter of award from the HDC to Riverside Enterprises Ltd.

The letter, dated August 24, stated HDC has accepted the company's proposal for the rehabilitation of a car park at Maloney Gardens.

"You are now required to enter into formal contract with the HDC for the execution of these works. You are to produce evidence that you have properly effected Contractors' All Risk and Workmen's Compensation Insurance Policies together with any other insurances in accordance with your contractual obligations," stated the letter.

The letter stated that all works must be executed in accordance with the proposal as well as the specifications and general terms and conditions outlined in the contract documents.

"You are expected to perform the services with due diligence and excellence," stated the letter, adding that on provision of the requested instrument, no later than ten working days from the date of the award letter, a meeting would be held with HDC's divisional manager estate management who will give further instructions in respect of the award.

According to documents under the Companies Act, Riverside Enterprises Ltd with the address 15 Andrew Lane, Mausica Lands, was incorporated in March this year with two listed directors- Barbara Alexander whose occupation was listed as front office manager and Fidjy Chang who was named as executive assistant.

Another document, from the Registrar General's department, dated July 20, 2012 stated that Neisha Galbaransingh was appointed director of Riverside Enterprises Ltd. Her occupation was listed as university student.

That document states further that Alexander ceased to hold the position of director thereby leaving Chang and Neisha Galbaransingh as the two directors of the company. Calls to Neisha Galbaransingh's phone yesterday were not answered.

[White CZ4A]

Not surprised anymore.

[White CZ4A]

Not sure how true but it is alleged that this company was formed in march 2012.

[pioneer]

brb haiti

[eliteauto]

and here I thought the only UWI chicks making money were those from Nat Sci that moonlight as whores in Stumblin

[Habit7]

[Dizzy28]

Its like Deja Vu all over again!!

[crazybalhead]

and here I thought the only UWI chicks making money were those from Nat Sci that moonlight as whores in Stumblin

I GOING AND START TO BAN PEOPLE FOR MAKING THESE LIBELOUS STATEMENTS.



without pics.

[pioneer]

feeding frenzy eh done


gubment har pay back financiers

[Mark!]

and here I thought the only UWI chicks making money were those from Nat Sci that moonlight as whores in Stumblin

whoa, whoa, whoaaaaaaaa

[Sky]

Eat ah food jink ah jooce!!!

and here I thought the only UWI chicks making money were those from Nat Sci that moonlight as whores in Stumblin

Btw, where stumblin?

[kaylex]

Corruption>>> nah man ... it is just political patronage... thats not corruption... come nah man

[sharkman121]

John said proposals ranging from $5 million to $14 million were received and according to HDC rules—the contract must be awarded to the lowest tenderer—which was Riverside Enterprises Ltd.

Is this the policy by which they abide? no wonder this country so blasted corrupted. This is not how all ministries operate btw.

[Greypatch]

Is ah good thing lightning doh strike in T&T so nah. nuff peeps would a fry

[pioneer]

Inb4 they always know the target figure/budget before tenders are even invited


Inb4 junior sammy in the pnm days

Inb4 awarded contract to do remedial work on previous contract

[kurpal_v2]

and here I thought the only UWI chicks making money were those from Nat Sci that moonlight as whores in Stumblin

whoa, whoa, whoaaaaaaaa

I dout elite talking bout your hoes like that.

[Centric]

Its not corruption, its bacchanal!

[kevcam]

John said proposals ranging from $5 million to $14 million were received and according to HDC rules—the contract must be awarded to the lowest tenderer—which was Riverside Enterprises Ltd.

Is this the policy by which they abide?

That is real madness.

[eliteauto]

I submitted proposals based on Gov't RFPs last year and this year, I have won 2 and the lowest bid is not the fixed practice in these matters, competence/financial ability/track record/experience etc are all factors

[Chimera]

i'm sure he meant lowest suitable bid.

[Strauss]

Good thing no direct family in government, otherwise I would not be able to get work.
Allyuh tuners will shoot me down.

[crazybalhead]

First time I'm hearing about that lowest price thing, that is a pack of rubbish, I don't think any such policy is in place.

[foss]

^that's usually how it is in the industry as well.

[Rory Phoulorie]

John said proposals ranging from $5 million to $14 million were received and according to HDC rules—the contract must be awarded to the lowest tenderer—which was Riverside Enterprises Ltd.

Is this the policy by which they abide? no wonder this country so blasted corrupted. This is not how all ministries operate btw.

Quoted from an HDC tender document that I am currently submitting a response to:

The HDC does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any proposal submitted.

[nervewrecker]

Is not the lowest that is always awarded, have other factors that come into play.

[White CZ4A]

John said proposals ranging from $5 million to $14 million were received and according to HDC rules—the contract must be awarded to the lowest tenderer—which was Riverside Enterprises Ltd.

Is this the policy by which they abide? no wonder this country so blasted corrupted. This is not how all ministries operate btw.

Quoted from an HDC tender document that I am currently submitting a response to:

The HDC does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any proposal submitted.

yup..afaik this is on all gov't tender docs

[redmanjp]

John said proposals ranging from $5 million to $14 million were received and according to HDC rules—the contract must be awarded to the lowest tenderer—which was Riverside Enterprises Ltd.

Is this the policy by which they abide? no wonder this country so blasted corrupted. This is not how all ministries operate btw.

Quoted from an HDC tender document that I am currently submitting a response to:

The HDC does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any proposal submitted.

pics of document showing above statement?

[Sky]

John said proposals ranging from $5 million to $14 million were received and according to HDC rules—the contract must be awarded to the lowest tenderer—which was Riverside Enterprises Ltd.

Is this the policy by which they abide? no wonder this country so blasted corrupted. This is not how all ministries operate btw.

Yuhannastan?
I was watching that.
Is to run from the lowest bidder most times yes.

[InDeForest]

Lowest bidder or not, a lil topup to daddys legal fees

[Apollo Trinidad]

x1000 corruption