Jearlean admits Cateau took action to save money

By CHARLEEN THOMAS

FORMER Transport Minister Jearlean John yesterday agreed that the Ministry of Works and Transport’s client representative, Peter Cateau, took action to save money on the Piarco Airport Project, but insisted that most of them were based on her directive. At the time John was being questioned by attorney for Cateau, Dawn Mohan.

She said one item on which Cateau caused savings to be realised was in the construction of two dog kennels. John agreed, after reading several documents, that Cateau authorised payment of $49,000 for the kennels, half the projected cost of $84,000. The latter price was submitted by contractors.

She agreed that the bid price accepted by NIPDEC was not proper but added that if Cateau had been more diligent “three years before” 2002, there could have been more savings. John said at least he learnt something from her.

Regarding the taxi booth, John agreed she was upset at the projected cost of over $1 million and that Cateau had brought the document stating the cost of the item to her attention. However, she said, he never pointed out the cost.

Asked by Mohan if she was aware that Cateau was concerned about the high cost, John said no. She said she was glad he thought so recalling that she had created a scene when she saw the cost. Told that NIPDEC never responded to a letter from Cateau about his concerns, John said that didn’t surprise her.

John also agreed with Mohan, after perusing documents, that Cateau supported her in asking for bids for small works on the project and had insisted, based on her directives, that it be done at a reasonable cost.

On the issue of construction of the new fire station, when she was told by Mohan that Cateau had prepared a lengthy evaluation report seeking accountability, John again said she was glad Cateau was doing the job for which he was paid $30,00 a month.

Questioned about the interior/exterior works, and after reading several letters, John agreed with Mohan that it was not Cateau who had suggested that the work under CP7 be separated and put under CP 9.

Earlier in her questioning, Mohan subtly tried to demonstrate to John that Cateau had no staff and had a heavy workload. But John, in a firm, strong tone, immediately pointed out that Cateau could not have been overworked because he never complained, and if anything he was “underworked”. Mohan will continue her questioning of John when the inquiry resumes today.

Also at yesterday’s sitting, Tyrone Gopee re-appeared with his attorney Carol Gobin. However his matter was adjourned to April 15, after he was denied a request for copies of statements or memos from witness Robert Boodoosingh.

The Commission’s lead attorney Theodore Guerra, said the request, made in a letter dated March 25 by Gopee’s instructing attorney Nyree Alfonso, was improper and they were not entitled to such documents because the procedural rules of the inquiry did not permit it.

Chairman Clinton Bernard endorsed Guerra’s views and even denied Gobin the opportunity to respond. Gobin’s complaint that she was not being allowed to represent her client fairly was stopped by Bernard who advised her to take the issue to the High Court if she felt that way. Gobin hinted that she just might, saying that she was sure “we’ll” get there.

Gobin also sought clarification on whether Gopee was appearing on a summons as a subject or someone implicated, as well as to raise the issue of “highly prejudicial” statements made by Bernard and counsel for the Commission, but she was given no answers. Bernard instead told her to take what was written in the transcripts as the Bible. Gobin replied that the matter as recorded showed serious bias.

Bernard later reiterated to Gobin that she will be supplied with all the transcripts affecting Gopee and she will be given the opportunity to question persons who implicated him.