The opposition walked out on the committee on January 30, accusing the Government of being hypocritical and not serious on the issue of procurement.
Opposition Leader Keith Rowley claimed that the Government’s approach to the Invader’s Bay project and its plan to enter into a private/public partnership to build a light rail system over the Priority Bus Route were not above board.
Both Tewarie and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar publicly appealed to the Opposition to change their position.
And Rowley and the PNM took a lot of heat from commentators and others who argued that their logic was flawed since they refused to take part in a process that would create a better and more transparent procurement process.
Tewarie told reporters Friday he had been invited to the House of Representatives to table the interim report of the JSC on procurement and to ask the Parliament’s guidance on the way forward.
He said he held discussions behind the Speaker’s chair with Rowley and Opposition MP Colm Imbert, who indicated the Opposition has agreed to return to the JSC and will be present at the next meeting called.
“They gave a very firm and clear commitment to have at least one member of the committee attend until the completion of the work by the end of this particular session,” Tewarie told reporters.
“I think from their point of view, it made sense to re-engage the committee and proceed with the procurement policy and procurement legislation,” he added.
He said he intends to present a formal Government position on procurement. He explained that this did not happen before because the government was seeking consensus for discussions to continue.
Tewarie said he is surprised that the opposition has decided to rejoin the JSC, adding: "I am happy that they have agreed to participate, that is the whole intention...that we would get to the point where legislation can come to the Parliament.”
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