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| Dr. Bhoe Tewarie: "I think he (Rowley) is very irresponsible and I think he deserves chastisement for what he has done and attempted to do." |
Planning Minister Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie took Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley to task Wednesday for his allegation that someone asked a contractor with the Chaguaramas Development Authority for a $40 million bribe.
Tewarie called Rowley "reckless and irresponsible" for making the claim at a news conference on Monday. Tewarie told the Express newspaper Rowley is clearly confused. He said the development of Chaguaramas is not "one mega project but a combination of different plans, which in total expects to attract billions in private investments in the long term".
And he made it clear that no contract has been awarded and none has been shelved as claimed by Rowley.
Tewarie told the paper phase one of the boardwalk project cost $7 million and the cost of the second phase is $35 million. It will include an extension of the boardwalk, a vendors mall and cycling and jogging tracks.
Tewarie also said there are plans for future projects such as an amusement park, mini golf and other attractions, but he made it clear that ads are placed locally and internationally and a "rigorous process" follows with respect to selecting the company to undertake the projects.
“I think he was totally irresponsible for making a reckless statement that was grounded in no facts. I would be intrigued by any information or facts that he can provide to me and I am open to receiving them,” said Tewarie.
“I spent half day with the CDA today and I had consultations with the chairman and the CEO, and I’m absolutely sure first of all that no bribe was offered for any project,” he added.
And he made it clear that no contract has been awarded and none has been shelved as claimed by Rowley.
Tewarie told the paper phase one of the boardwalk project cost $7 million and the cost of the second phase is $35 million. It will include an extension of the boardwalk, a vendors mall and cycling and jogging tracks.
Tewarie also said there are plans for future projects such as an amusement park, mini golf and other attractions, but he made it clear that ads are placed locally and internationally and a "rigorous process" follows with respect to selecting the company to undertake the projects.
“I think he was totally irresponsible for making a reckless statement that was grounded in no facts. I would be intrigued by any information or facts that he can provide to me and I am open to receiving them,” said Tewarie.
“I spent half day with the CDA today and I had consultations with the chairman and the CEO, and I’m absolutely sure first of all that no bribe was offered for any project,” he added.
“Mr Rowley is like a false prophet both in his own party and in the country at large, and I think he is very irresponsible and I think he deserves chastisement for what he has done and attempted to do. And I am very, very angry—now that I’ve examined the information, gotten the facts and spoken to the chairman and the CEO—that he would do such a thing for his own selfish interest,” said Tewarie.
He said Rowley should come forward and provide evidence to his claims and explain why he was trying to sully plans that are in the interest of the people, the Express report stated.
Tewarie said he stands by the transparent processes used by the CDA, adding: “If you want something to be successful and economically sustainable, you cannot do things except by rigorous assessment because when they fail is you to ketch whether is friends or family.”
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