Head of Vehicle Care Unit Testifies

Ruperto Vicente

The final witness to be called before the commission was Ruperto Vicente, the Head of the Vehicle Care Unit. Vicente is tasked with ensuring that the proper procedures are followed. Vicente testified this afternoon for a little less than an hour, during which he explained the process practiced at the Vehicle Care Unit.  

Ruperto Vicente, Head, Vehicle Care Unit

“In most cases the financial secretary would say, left this one with me. I need to think about this some more and then he will have a discussion. Sometimes or most times with the Prime Minister, Minister of Finance. Once I get the indication that the vehicle is going to be disposed of, the instruction comes to me with the letter then I prepare the letter seeking approval of both the financial secretary ad the Minister of Finance.”

Andrew Marshalleck, Chair, Commission of Inquiry

“Has there been instance where you’ve approved sale on your own?”

Ruperto Vicente

“No sir.”

Andrew Marshalleck

“Without adverting to the Financial Secretary?”

Ruperto Vicente

“No sir. Never.”

Andrew Marshalleck

“Or without adverting to the Minister of Finance?”

Ruperto Vicente

“No sir, I would never do that.”

Andrew Marshalleck

“What about other property now, we just discussed vehicle because I see that you dealt with some AC, laptops and furniture?”

Ruperto Vicente

“When it comes to other items we go through the similar procedure. Nothing changes. It is the same procedure we follow whenever we make a sale.”

Andrew Marshalleck

“Are these procedures set forth in any regulations or policy document by the ministry?”

Ruperto Vicente

“No sir. It just practice. It is something we have inherited and kept over the years.”