Duiker: “Where is the evidence?”

“Where is the evidence to prove that I fiddled with Dick van Kanten from Greenland Development?” said Willy Duiker, ex acting director at the Energy Company Suriname (EBS), as he looked at Witness Giovanni Ridley from the Procurement Department. Duiker, former director Kenneth Vaseur, Van Kanten, Max Chin Tsoe Liong and Quincy Fernandes are on trial in the EBS mega fraud case.

Ridley told the court that the documents that were signed between the parties, the terms of payments, the payments that were made and the deliveries that never took place made him ask himself if things were done properly. Duiker pointed out that the witness received documents from others and demanded to know if the man believes that he and Van Kanten were doctoring the books. Ridley explained that he was just giving his opinion because he was not involved in the contracts. Duiker pointed out that the witness mentioned many incriminating things that appear to be an opinion. He claimed that the witness drew up a document himself which he then gave to the police when it became unclear if his detention would be extended. The witness strongly denied the accusation and claimed that Duiker has once mentioned wanting to open a bank account at Curaçao. The witness explained that he shared this information with the police. Duiker claimed that he never mentioned personal affairs with the coworker. But the witness claims otherwise. Duiker also claimed that the witness is not telling the truth. The witness also claimed that Duiker had instructed him to facilitate Van Kanten. Greenland had not answered the call for tenders but was nevertheless given the contract to drill at Meerzorg even though the company was more expensive. Duiker explained that another company was initially busy with the project but that Greenland Development took the drilling job over. Duiker explained that contractors who could drill were chosen. Another company that sold emergency generators had the cheapest delivery prices but Greenland was chosen because of the short delivery period. The witness claimed that Duiker had instructed him to change the date on the evaluation report. Duiker strongly denied this accusation but the witness claimed that he still has the emails which he will present to the court. The trial will be resumed on February 19.