Commission of Inquiry Focuses on Bidding Procedures

The Commission of Inquiry into the sale of a number of government vehicles designated as unserviceable in the last days of the United Democratic Party administration continued today. Witnessed called this morning were all formerly well-connected members of the U.D.P., including one who was a sitting member of the House of Representatives.  Commission Chairman Andrew Marshalleck focused on the procedures involved and how each person put in a bid that was either accepted as is, or amended by the Ministry of Finance. The sales were then approved by the Minister of Finance, who at the time was Prime Minister Dean Barrow.  Pearl Stuart and Doctor Angel Campus said they were buying vehicles for parts, while Alpheus Gillett indicated he wanted to use his purchase in his role as rural NEMO coordinator.  While the records in front of the Commission showed he bought two Wingles, he claims he only bought one. Former ministerial driver Junior Harbert Lopez was presumably called because the Commission records did not show the balance had been paid, but he produced records on his phone to show it had. He was then dismissed. The exchange was a bit more protracted with the others. Here are some highlights.

The Commission of Inquiry continued this afternoon. News Five will have coverage of that session on tomorrow’s newscast.