When will they ever learn? Decrepit Vessel now joins the PNM Yacht Club... with no critical maritime

By VASANT BHARATH

It appears this government will never learn from its questionable track record in the procurement of vessels or for that matter anything else.

The acquisition of the MV Jean De La Valette (JDLV) without independent maritime scrutiny could set the country down the familiar road of unsuitable inter-island boats.

Buying cat in bag

Trinidad and Tobago found out, in a casual manner, that the authorities relied purely on international maritime certification for JDLV. The representatives who journeyed to Malta were interested in other matters, such as technical specifications required for the dredging of the Port of Spain port. A critical maritime examination was not undertaken even though JDLV is ten years old and has had major technical setbacks. On one occasion, that we are aware of, an engine became disabled, and the vessel hobbled to berth. On another occasion, there was bow damage during a berthing manoeuvre, leading to the catamaran being dry docked. Government officials, including Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan, have been dismissive of public queries, and officials of the relevant State agencies simply saw no need to carry out rigorous autonomous inspection. As a result, JDLV could be another wretched case of buying cat in bag. This highly regrettable move displays recklessness with the public’s purse considering the government’s chequered performance in the acquisition of commercial vessels.

The scrapping of the MV Superfast Galicia was based purely on spite and malice

It began with the arbitrary scrapping of the lease for cargo vessel MV SuperFast Galicia, based purely on spite and malice since the boat had been contracted by the previous administration. This vessel had one of the proudest records for on time performance on the sea bridge. That led to the lease of MV Cabo Star and MV Ocean Flower 2, both of which were ill-suited for the Trinidad-Tobago run, and both procured amid glaring financial irregularities. After an interminable period, the Cabo Star limped into Port of Spain, but the Ocean Flower 2 never made it to this country. It was later discovered that the Ocean Flower 2 was technically flawed and had not been subjected to thorough technical examination. In the face of embarrassment, the government eventually terminated the lease contract for the latter boat. We all recall the virtual collapse of commerce in the sister isle, estimated at some $750m with the shutdown of several retail and other businesses and the crippling of domestic tourism. Hundreds of workers lost their jobs. Amid that unholy mess, the Rowley Government opted to purchase the MV Galleons Passage, at a cost of almost $150 million. With characteristic disregard for proper procurement procedures, the Government side-lined knowledgeable maritime experts, and set up a Cabinet committee, led by Finance Minister Colm Imbert. Imbert had, a decade earlier, purchased the MV Su, for $55 million, despite the vessel’s obvious lack of seaworthiness. That boat never sailed a single day, and was eventually sold to a Miami scrap iron dealer for a few thousand dollars. Taxpayers incurred the multi-million-dollar loss.

The Gov’t has not learnt the appropriate lessons from the MV Su

Even with that questionable background, Imbert was vested with the authority to spend the public’s money on yet another ferry. The Galleons Passage has come to symbolise the Rowley regime: Not fit for purpose, slow-moving, unreliable, constantly requiring repair – a huge waste of time and money. Apart from needing major retrofitting, the boat sails only at slow speed and has been afflicted with ongoing engineering problems. The vessel is not suitable for the often-turbulent seas between both islands and is better suited to a smoothflowing river. Are we staring at a possible similar state of affairs with JDLV? The MV Galleons Passage embodies an absence of public probity, has led to the near collapse of the Tobago economy and reflects the government’s blatant arrogance. Yet, the government has not learnt the appropriate lessons from that fiasco. Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley visited an Australian shipyard a few months ago, and then announced the purchase of two vessels, together worth more than $1 billion. There was no known transparent procedure. No one could recall the criteria for selection of the vessels, a tendering and evaluation process, the appointment of a broker and details of service contracts. No independent maritime analysis was undertaken.

The Gov’t now spits in our faces

To be fair, there was a public requestfor-proposals for the JDLV, but taxpayers have not been updated on relevant matters, including the final cost. Some details were belatedly provided, but only in response to stinging public criticisms of secrecy in the major investment. The JDLV issue illustrates a government steeped in its opaque and high-handed business approach despite a dubious track record and the public’s justifiable clamour for the relevant facts. The government laughed at us for three and a half years, now they spit in our faces. As a population we should be incandescent with rage as we continue to witness our money going up in flames! We look forward to the vessel’s arrival in Port of Spain and hope it provides an efficient service for the many people who depend on the inter-island run and have endured nightmares for three and a half years. But the government must know that it will be held to account for any technical failings of this latest vessel by a population whose patience and goodwill have long since evaporated.