By Charleen Thomas, Newsday/TT

THE unusual power which Northern Construction Limited (NCL) had over Birk Hillman Consultants (BHC), was like that of "the tail wagging the dog", an influence which could only have existed with the permission of the "dog's owner" (the Ministry of Works), as it pertained to the Piarco airport project.

This conclusion was that of Keith Grimes, an architect who worked for BHC on the project from mid 1999 to May 2001, when the terminal building was opened. Grimes was giving evidence yesterday at the Commission of Inquiry into the project.

Cross-examined by NIPDEC's attorney Christopher Hamel-Smith, he agreed that NIPDEC's project manager Kenneth Critclow, was also battling the "tail wagging dog" situation and the frustrations, which came with it. Grimes agreed that Critchlow had worked honestly and hard to get value for money, like himself.

Grimes, earlier led by lead attorney for the Commission, Theodore Guerra, SC, said he was employed by BHC as a consultant to ensure the drawings for CP's 4 (roof) and CP 9 (terminal building) were built to specification by the contractors, Damus Roofing and NCL. He was hired by Bert Mc Guire of BHC. Grimes said he had queries about the CP 9 design because he felt it should have been more "unique or Caribbeanised". He said he raised the matter with BHC but was told "that is not my business, I am there to supervise not design".

Grimes said three months later he was appointed a site attendant manager, a shift from supervising the drawings to supervising the site, to make it more efficient. He said Mc Guire wanted the work to move quickly but he (Mc Guire) later paid the price. Asked what he meant, Grimes explained that "he was sent back to Orlando because of his aggression, he was termed to be cocky". Asked who labelled Mc Guire that way, Grimes said it was rumoured that Ish Galbaransingh, the principal of NCL, had done so.

Grimes said Mc Guire had complained about the "ponding of drains" and ordered him to clear it off. He said when he wrote Galbaransingh, a complaint was made to Edwardo Hillman of BHC by Galbaransingh and "I was almost fired because of my persistence". He said it was rumoured that Galbaransingh "got rid" of McGuire. Asked if he had ever seen a contractor having such influence over a consultant, Grimes said no. He described NCL as a dominant player.

Asked about the distribution of certificates of substantial completion to contractors in November 2000, Grimes said in his opinion only Damus Roofing should have gotten such a certificate. He said the work by other contractors was not up to standard.He said when former Transport Minister Jearlean John came on the project in 2001, things changed drastically, resulting in more efficient work, cost savings and a "different character".

Grimes said John demanded the terminal be opened quickly and she put a "ferocious transition team" headed by Jude Allaby to overseer the task.
He said he was then appointed tenant co-ordiantor with the duty of having concessionaires - a bank, government agencies, an eatery and BWIA, in the terminal in time for the May 2001 opening.

He said John also took away all the other projects assigned to BHC, that is, designs for the fire station, the golf course and hotel. He said he never saw the designs, but was told they were the "fantasies" of John Humphrey. Grimes said Cateau only got an office at the project site after John came on the scene, but he saw Critchlow constantly. At one time he said he saw Critchlow looking forlorn saying he had had enough.

But Grimes said when John came, Critchlow decided to stay because John "was dropping bull pistle on them (BHC)".The inquiry resumes this morning when Allaby is expected to testify.

UK bankers arrive for Panday trial

THE THREE British bankers who are due to testify in next week Monday's trial of former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, have arrived in TT. They are reportedly staying at the Trinidad Hilton. Panday is charged with not declaring all his income to the Integrity Commission in 1999.

The complainant in the matter is Snr Supt Wellington Virgil, Head of the Fraud Squad.
Newsday learned that Police Commissioner Hilton Guy has given instructions to ACP Crime Oswyn Allard to ensure that strict security arrangements are put in place for the witnesses.

ACP Allard meets this week with Virgil to put the security arrangements in place.
The three bankers are members of staff of the Wimbledon branch of the UK bank, NatWest, where Panday, in 1999, is alleged to have deposited funds, which were subsequently not declared to the Commission.

The bank employees are expected to be called upon to verify, in court, the NatWest bank statements to be used in evidence by State prosecutor, English QC Timothy Cassel.
The case will be heard by Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nichols.