Letter: Opposition practising 'voopsing'

From all appearances the Opposition has now gone to bat for BAE in the OPV matter, but in so doing it is voopsing rather badly.
 
In seeking the interest of BAE the Opposition has revealed that BAE had offered a M$100 penalty settlement rather than the contractual M$63 for which it was liable.

This is a damning piece of information against BAE which by so offering has admitted that the enormity of its breach of contract was over and above the known liability. 

This prejudices whatever action BAE may have been contemplating against the Government in the foolhardy effort to have their breach of contract overlooked. It in fact reinforces the Government’s grounds for termination.

With only promises of renewed delivery dates, Dr. Rowley seems reassured that BAE has suddenly recovered its reliability.

The unpleasant facts are that BAE is notorious for chicanery internationally and Dr. Rowley’s spirited promotion of its bona fides only further muddies his own colleagues’ murky performance. 

Why is the Opposition so determined to secure BAE’s welfare over and above the Government’s decision?

Dr. Rowley appears unaware of the growing negligence and malfeasance of our Coast Guardsmen who now have a murderous reputation in night time encounters with our seafaring nationals. 

He is openly promoting 30 day stints at sea for these men some of whom cannot be trusted out of our sight. His amazing denunciation of helicopter acquisition for air surveillance, (a favourite of the PNM regime), in his OPV promotion brings into question his entire perspective in the matter.

Dr. Rowley’s arguments are uncharacteristically shrill. Perhaps the rumors of his unpopularity have some basis. Why else would he be ascribing incompetence and irresponsibility to the very responsible and competent PM? Are these buzz words echoing in his ears?

The continuing insistence of the discredited PNM administrators that their misdirected policies should be ratified by the new administration will bear no fruit but further disappointment and disenchantment with their representatives.

M.F. Rahman | via email