Pressing questions on botched used-car deal
THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE MINISTER of national security promised the police and the country that he would ensure that, by Christmas, the police got the remaining cars that O’Brien’s International Car Sales & Rentals Limited failed to deliver. We must insist that there is absolute transparency in this matter and thus, there are a number of questions that must be answered frontally – without spin or half-truths.
The country would be aware that the minister of national security is working with other used-car dealers to supply some cars. The country needs to know categorically if it is the full 167 cars, and, if not, how many.
ANSWERS NEEDED
But there are some questions that are largely related to transparency to which answers should be provided, by both the prime minister and the minister of national security, early in the new year. These are a few:
Is the CEO of O’Brien’s International Car Sales & Rentals Limited a member of the JLP?
What steps has the Government taken to recover the portion of money from O’Brien’s for cars not delivered, and will the prime minister take steps to ensure that monies owed to taxpayers by O’Brien’s are returned?
How much will the Government seek to recover from O’Brien’s and when will the money be back in the Government’s coffers?
How much will it cost taxpayers for Government to purchase the 167 cars that O’Brien’s has failed to deliver?
What is the total cost of the 33 cars that O’Brien’s delivered?
While accepting that the outstanding vehicles would be purchased via emergency procurement, what are the names of the supplying dealerships and how were they selected?
What are the ages of the vehicles to be purchased from the other suppliers and what are the terms of purchase, including warranty and after-sales service?
Having regard to the minister’s pledge that he would supply four used cars for the price of one new one, can the minister say what is the actual outcome, in terms of number of used cars, per price of a new one?
What lessons have the minister and the Government learnt from this situation and what would it do differently next time?
Does the Government intend to continue with this used-car policy? CANUTE THOMPSON canutethompson1@gmail.com