Stuart: We’ll go after ‘bid rigging’

Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young has signaled a robust stance against corruption in government contract awards, promising legal action against instances of bid rigging and cartel-like behavior. This strong declaration comes in the wake of the Office of Procurement Regulation's (OPR) decision to halt a significant $3.4 billion in housing contracts awarded by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).

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I will take legal action against cases of bid rigging and cartel-like behaviour by State entities in the awarding of Government contracts.

The OPR's intervention, triggered by a complaint from activist Wendell Eversley, aims to facilitate a comprehensive review of the procurement process. Young, who is actively assisting the OPR with information, alleges that the selection process was not an open tender but a "selective tender," which he equates to bid rigging. He criticizes the government's justification of the contracts being tied to a "Design-Build-Finance" model, arguing that qualification and guarantees are paramount, regardless of the contract type.

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This complaint is made on my client’s behalf in his capacity as a member of the public, concerned with the legality, propriety and integrity of a procurement exercise involving a substantial quantum of public funds.

This development highlights a critical juncture for procurement transparency in Trinidad and Tobago. Young's commitment to pursuing legal action and exposing non-compliance by state enterprises underscores the Opposition's role in ensuring accountability. The Trinidad Express's reporting on this issue brings to light the public's right to know how substantial public funds are allocated and the importance of robust oversight mechanisms like the OPR in safeguarding against potential malfeasance. The article emphasizes that the fight for integrity in public procurement is ongoing, with further revelations expected.

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I’m very happy to see pro­­curement legislation is working. It is clear that the OPR, as they are entitled to under law, use the provision that allows them to investigate once there is anything in the atmosphere that concerns them. Now we will also be assisting with providing specific information.