Contractor General chides PNP, JLP on China Harbour highway land deal

(Jamaica Observer) KINGSTON, Jamaica – Contractor General Dirk Harrison has chided both the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party (PNP) for what he describes as the failure to ensure maximum value and respect for taxpayers’ money.“... Both the JLP and PNP, it is important that our leaders make decisions in the interest of our country and our people. We ought not to make decisions for partisan reasons, for constituents, and, most importantly, ought not to bypass or break rules,” Harrison argued.

Harrison, who was speaking at a Kiwanis Club of Stony Hill meeting at the St Jude’s Anglican Church in Stony Hill, St Andrew, on Monday, said that, “in respect of certain highways that are being built or have been built, we hear of certain concession deals that have been offered and the basis on which they have been offered, it is a cause for concern”.

His comments follow the announcement that his office will intensify their probe into the US$720 million North-South Highway contract between the Government and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).

Last Wednesday, it was revealed by the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC) that of the 1,200 acres of State lands given to CHEC under the deal, 850 acres was not valued. Harrison said that his concern relates to the legacy for children and, by extension, the future of the country after certain contractual agreements are entered into.

“Jamaica like every other country needs the support; however we must importantly measure what is done and ensure that the legacy we leave, it is something that can withstand the test of time ... whether is highways, building hotels, building hospitals. The taxpayers of this country, their money is first and foremost,” the Contractor General stated.

He added that oftentimes, on both sides of the political divide, leaders have had a tendency to enter into arrangements where the thought processes are not “as measured as they ought to be”. In emphasising the shortfall of both parties, Harrison stated that it is time to think about the country and to stop forsaking its independence and sovereignty in the name of international support and help.

In June 2012, then transport and works minister Dr Omar Davies signed a 50year concession agreement with CHEC to develop the North-South Highway, which runs from Caymanas in St Catherine to Ocho Rios in St Ann.

NROCC, established up in 2002 to implement the Highway 2000 project, represents the Government’s interests.

Instead of cash, Jamaica agreed to provide the lands for development as part of its contribution. The 850 acres that the investors have already identified and will get are in Mammee Bay, St Ann (200 acres), and Caymanas (650 acres).