Probe launched into purchase of MV Su

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan has launched an investigation into the acquisition of the MV Su, which the Manning PNM government bought for $25 million.

The Su was supposed to be used as a water taxi but to date it has never sailed and since its purchase the state has spent more that $53 million on the vessel when the purchase price and repairs are tallied.

Former works and transport Minister Colm Imbert told the Express newspaper he had nothing to do with the purchase of the Su, pointing out that the deal was handled by Roger Joseph, former PNM minister in the ministry of works and transport.

Roger Joseph

Joseph negotiated the deal for the Su, which was bought through the National Infrastructure Development Company (NIDCO). 

Joseph is now employed as the Vice President of Corporate Services at NIDCO.

The Express newspaper said it has seen a report with Joseph's signature recommending the purchase.

“The sea trial lasted approximately two hours with the vessels performing a series of manoeuvres at varying aspects in calm waters, similar to what obtains in the Gulf of Paria,” he stated. 

Joseph's report noted that during the trials the vessel performed at speeds up to 37 knots and was “manoeuvred in tight turns, wide circles and a full crash stop.”

Joseph also stated independent technical surveyors and consultants “determined that the technical condition and performance of the vessel is reasonably good, given the age of the vessel”.

“Based on the technical report and the condition of the vessel observed at the sea trial, I recommend the purchase of the MV Su Jet, at the cost of Euros two million six hundreds and seventy eight thousand (Euros $2, 678,000),” the report stated.

“I further recommend that the necessary repairs and maintenance required to improve the condition of the asset be conducted in Curacao, under the supervision of a qualified and experience surveyor to be appointed by NIDCO,” Joseph stated further in the report.