Senate Debates Petrocaribe Loan Motion

Ray Davis

The Senate met on Wednesday to discuss the Alba Petrocaribe Loan Motion. It has been a controversial topic and one which has inspired passion from politicians on both sides of the floor. The session in the Senate reflected that. News Five wasn’t able to sit in on Thursday, but we’ve put together some highlights on the spirited debate. Tonight, we start with the non-political Senators, who weighed in on the Loan Motion.

Ray Davis, Senator for Unions

“In mid-September of this year, the N.T.U.C.B. expressed its concern for full accountability and transparency in the use of the funds and to those ends, the Congress had written to the Prime Minister and had asked four basic questions with respect to the Petrocaribe. The Congress wanted to know the total quantum that was signed on to. Two, the amount of that quantum that had already been used; they asked about the repayment plan that the government intended to employ for the funding that they had had. And the last one was the actual terms for the use of the funds. Now I’ve heard the comments and the opinions that had been passed so far and we in the trade union movement that was at the forefront of the finance and audit act, think the first thing we have to say upfront that we were caught napping at the hen in advocating for the timely determination and intervention of the procedures under the act. And as such, we are here after the fact just like everybody else.”

Mark Lizarraga

Mark Lizarraga, Senator for Business Sector

“If the very procedure used in acquiring the funds is questionable, what guarantees can our citizens have that there’ll be any accountability in the spending of, in the accounting of the monies borrowed under the Petrocaribe loan agreement. Mister President, how are contracts awarded using the Petrocaribe funds? To whom and by what process we ask? Where are the necessary policies for any limited, open or selective tendering procedures? Where is the transparency in the allocation, granting and spending of these funds? Why do some constituencies benefit handsomely while others are compelled to plead for crumbs?”

Noel Leslie

Rev. Noel Leslie, Senator for Churches

“The Petrocaribe funds have enabled our government to reach out to those in need, but really I don’t know how equitable it has been. I believe that all our representatives should be given equal share to assist their people. And as we draw near to Christmas, we hear about the Christmas Cheer, we must think about equality because all our representatives represent people. Also, Mister President is my hope that these things are being done because of a genuine concern for the poor and not just for political gain.”