CID wrapping up investigations – Crime Chief

THE investigations into the allegation of fraud by embattled contractor, Surendra Engineering Company Limited (SECL), are almost complete, according to Crime Chief, Mr. Leslie James.“We are in receipt of statements from the Ministry of Health’s Permanent Secretary and representatives from VIKAB and the AG’s (Attorney-General) Chamber,” he told this newspaper yesterday.

CONTRACT TERMINATION
In the latter part of last month, confirmation of the termination of the contract for design and construction of the proposed Specialty Hospital was forwarded to the principals of SECL. Alleged breaches forced the termination of the SECL engagement on the Specialty Hospital. SECL had its contract terminated by the Government of Guyana in early September.
The Crime Chief noted that the company’s managing director, Mr. Brijen Parikh, has left Guyana and no other representative from SECL was available for interviews by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
“When our investigations are complete a report will be done and submitted to the relevant authorities for further legal advice,” Mr. James said.
SECL’s contract for the design and construction of the proposed Specialty Hospital began in September 2012, after a bid of US$18.1M. VIKAB Engineering Consultants Limited held a 12-month contract as a consultant on the project.
VIKAB Engineering, according to Health Minister, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, was working with a local evaluation team when irregularities and contract violations were uncovered.
The administration announced its intention to move against SECL after citing what it termed “deep concerns” over the execution of the contract, both as it relates to technical shortcomings and suspicion of fraud.
The Government of Guyana, since June this year, had been engaging SECL on a number of issues regarding allegations of fraud and financial irregularities. Initially, the Government’s concerns were related to delayed milestones, and inadequate accountability by SECL for public funds the company had received on signing the contract with the Ministry of Health.
Subsequently, the Government of Guyana discovered that SECL’s representative in Guyana had submitted a fraudulent document, purporting to emanate from the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. The fraudulent act by SECL has since been confirmed by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago.
The start of the investigations came after a dossier of documents was submitted to the police by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, with a letter requesting such a procedure.
When the contract was terminated, Nandlall noted that the course of action to be taken will include: termination of the contract and engaging the police; and requesting an investigation into the alleged fraud, and both actions have already been taken.
He had stated too that there was the likelihood of pursuing civil litigation against the company for compensation, damages and breach of contract.

LOSS OF CONFIDENCE
Reports indicate that to date, the structural designs for the project have been completed, while the architectural designs are currently being reviewed. Physical progress has been seen on the essential site preparation which is some 75 per cent completed. On the building foundations 361 piles have been supplied and 235 piles have been driven.
The current administration has made clear that it has lost confidence in the capability of Surendra Engineering Company Limited. (Vanessa Narine)