UDECOTT BREACHES CONTRACT RULES FOR POS HOSPITAL

EVIDENCE has revealed that State enterprise Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDECOTT) entertained a bid for a major contract after the official deadline. 

The contract pertains to the redevelopment of the Central Block of Port of Spain General Hospital, a much-delayed project that is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. 

Documents obtained by Counterpunch show that UDECOTT officially closed tendering at 4:30 p.m. on Friday May 20, 2022, at which time four bids were received. 

But on Monday May 23, 2022, UDECOTT informed bidders of another tender. 

The proponents (bidders) were told of the new tender after they had all completed 15-minute video presentations to back up their bid figures. 

They had no opportunity to adjust their bids. 

The final video presentation ended at midday. 

UDECOTT has not provided an explanation for contravening the bidding regulations. 

This breach of the procurement rules comes after the passage of national legislation governing the official acquisition of goods and services. 

UDECOTT was at the storm with regard to contract irregularities during the national leadership of Patrick Manning between 2007 and 2010. 

Under pressure, Manning launched the Uff Commission of Enquiry, which revealed gross violations. 

The commission made 91 recommendations, which were implemented by the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration, which swept into national office in May 2010.