Report Filed:9:59:47 pm-04 September 2007
BU highlighted the extraordinary announcement by 3S — the company contracted to build the Flyovers states the cost of the project must increase significantly because of unforeseen circumstances. In summary, the scope of work has had to be increased and therefore there is a new cost estimated at BDS360 million dollars. When one considers that Barbadians were told the project would cost BDS120 million dollars, even with a 25% overrun no one in their wildest dream would have thought the final cost would rest at BDS360 million.
The announcement has caused sensible Barbadians to raise questions about the project and specifically the competence of 3S.
What we know about 3S
The truth is we don’t know much. Many Barbadians have been surfing the Internet with little success to find info on the company. On this website we found this sketchy profile:
3s Structural Steel Solutions, Llc
10015 Old Columbia Rd, Columbia, MD 21046-1703, United States (Map) (Add Company Info)
Phone: (410) 312-7882
SIC: Communications Equipment, NEC
Line of Business: Mfg Communications Equipment
Detailed 3s Structural Steel Solutions, Llc Company Profile
This company profile is for the private company 3s Structural Steel Solutions, Llc, located in Columbia, MD. 3s Structural Steel Solutions, Llc’s line of business is mfg communications equipment.
Company Profile: 3s Structural Steel Solutions, Llc
Year Started: 2005
State of Incorporation: N/A
URL: N/A
Location Type: Single Location
Stock Symbol: N/A
Stock Exchange: N/A
Also Does Business As: N/A
NAICS: N/A
SIC #Code:
View Details
Est. Annual Sales:
Est. Employees: 5
Est. Employees at Location: 5
Contact Name: Ian Fields
Contact Title: Mbr
We are surprise at the age of the company which is listed as being established in 2005. Even more surprising was its listing of 5 employees. This immediately caused us to think that 3S would have to contract services to complete a big job like building flyovers which cost BDS360 million dollars for the Barbados government. We immediately returned to the information highway to search for such a company which would have worked with 3S on the Operation Free Flow Project.
After hours of search, we stumbled on this company, Hillis-Carnes Engineering Carnes Associates. On the surface, the company seems respectable enough and after reading a newsletter posted on the company’s website in the Fall of 2006, we spotted some information which should interest Barbadians. Here is a reproduction of the pertinent information:
The structural group and the geo-technical divisions are currently working on an extensive flyover bridge system designed to relieve traffic congestion in the southern and western sectors of a highway surrounding Bridgetown, Barbados. Our client, 3S Structural Steel Solutions, is constructing approximately 3,100 meters of elevated roadway supported on ninety-five (95) piers spaced up to thirty four (34) meters apart. HCEA team members include: Mike Johnson, P.E., Paul Eeichert, Rob Yonkers, P.E., and Avon McNeil. Rob Yonkers was in Barbados for the past several weeks monitoring the drilling operation and compiling field data necessary to complete the foundation designs that will support the piers. The data obtained during the field investigation will be input into SHAFT and LPILE programs to develop the design criteria for the drilled shafts required to support the structure. Geologically, the island of Barbados is the only emergent peak of the Barbados ridge complex.
It lies above the active subduction zone between the Caribbean and South American plates. The results from Rob’s investigation indicate that the limestone rock in this geologic region varies from competent to highly fractured and decomposed. The depths or competent rock ranged from 4 to 30 feet below existing grades. The challenge for HCEA is to design a caisson system with consistent diameters and uniform reinforcing steel bar cage configurations so that construction time and costs are minimized. HCEA is part of an international construction team that has been assembled for this high profile project. The local government is anxious to complete the project and if successful, will likely implement similar flyover systems in other sectors of the island that are prone to chronic traffic congestion problems. To Rob’s dismay, (he can’t wait to go back!) he is likely to spend additional time in Barbados on future projects.
When we read this extract, two important points stood-out; more flyovers will be coming, and the fractured and decomposed geologic make-up of the limestone of Barbados is probably the reason why the cost of the project has significant overruns. This company of engineers performed testing in the last quarter of 2006 identifying that the piers to support the flyover will have to be sunk between 4 to 30 feet based on the quality of the limestone beneath, and this is many months after the cost of the project was made known by the government.
So figure it and draw your own conclusions.
From left: President of 3S Barbados SRL, Jonathan Danos, Minister of Public Works and Transport Gline Clarke, and Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Clyde Mascoll in a light moment after the launch. (Pictures by Sandy Pitt)
While doing the research, we posted a question on BU asking anyone to direct us to the official website of 3S Structural Steel Solutions (3S). To our surprise, we quickly got a response from a commenter (Thanks Oops!) who directed us to this website.
This is where the story got mighty interesting.
President of 3S Barbados SRL, Jonathan Danos, along with others are being sued by his former employer, Mabey and Johnson Limited (“Mabey”) a company which is incorporated in the UK over the building of a major bridge in Jamaica, not unlike Barbados.
Not to digress too much but Barbadians were told that 3S built Flyovers in Panama. Our best research shows that Mabey and Johnson built 13 Flyovers in Panama NOT 3S – see the video
Back to our story!
To make a summary of the judgment which is referred to as The Jamaica Kickback Agreement and to make it as clear as possible we have bulleted the salient points.
- In 2004, Mabey contracted DAG a company owned by Deryck A. Gibson to be its representative in Jamaica on the Priority Rural Bridge Project.
- DAG’s commission was agreed at 8.5% of contract value (₤15.3)
-
DAG contracted the services of OMS Limited, a company registered in Miami, to provide technical and financial services on the project allegedly in 2004. The principals in OMS Ltd were Danos and Joyce, former employees of Mabey. Interesting to note that this alleged correspondence dated 2002 originated on the computer of Joyce.
-
The Jamaica Project was originally quoted at ₤15.3 but in the correspondence from DAG to OMS Ltd the amount increased to ₤23 million.
-
Also found on Joyce’s computer was a Payment Schedule which detailed the following: “The alleged fraud, full particulars of which are pleaded in the Particulars of Claim dated 11 January 2007, consisted of a conspiracy to inflate the level of commission and divide up the surplus between DAG and/or Mr Gibson, Mr Danos and Mr Joyce. Particular reliance is placed on a document obtained by Mabey from Mr Joyce’s laptop computer (“the Payments Schedule”) which appears to show in detail how an “increase” of £735,000 over “commission” of £565,000 was agreed to be split up in specified percentages between “DAG” (which could refer either to DAG or Mr Gibson), Mr Danos and Mr Joyce, and how the first nine payments received from Mabey up to March 2006 had been divided up pursuant to that agreement. The total shown on the Payments Schedule as due to Mr Danos and Mr Joyce down to March 2006 was £273,479.88. This figure ties in with an “invoice” (“the OMS Invoice”) also obtained from Mr Joyce’s computer, which purports to be issued by a company called OMS Limited with an address in Miami and to charge DAG for “services rendered to date” on the Jamaica Project in the same amount. The OMS Invoice appears to have been created by Mr Joyce on his computer on 28 March 2006. It says that the fees are due “in accordance with our agreement letter dated 24 July 2004″. These fees totaled ₤417,500.00.
-
This fee was divvied-up: ₤317,500 to Danos and ₤100,000 to Joyce.
- The Court issued a freeze and search order against Danos, Joyce, DAG and Gibson in November 2006. Danos used his UK residence as security to discharge the order.
It appears that Williams Industries in Barbados is operating in the role which DAG played in the Jamaica Project.
It seems that many of our multi-million capital projects to date have been won by companies with questionable reputations.
The government of Barbados owes the country an explanation.
Other Related Stories
Gline Clarke And Rihanna Tell Their Supporters To “Shut Up And Drive”
OPERATION Free Flow, Barbados Road Network Infrastructure Improvement Project (Flyover Project) To Triple In Cost From USD60 Million To USD180 Million~Gline Clarke And The Government Of Barbados Owe Barbadians A Big Explanation
106 responses so far ↓
Bush Tea // September 4, 2007 at 10:28 PM
Excellent work David.
Now THAT is reporting in the 21st century.
Wishing in Vain // September 4, 2007 at 10:39 PM
First let me express my sincere thanks to those at BU and OOPS! for fantastic investigative work to get to the root of this corrupt dishonest action.
I have been saying for a very long time that the operators such as Nicholls, Bannister and Wilkinson are behind the deals like the oil storage facility, the prison, the flyovers the slot machines and that in none of these operations is there a single ounce of creditibilty to the ones contracted for the jobs.
Thankfully this revelation today will bear my feelings out once and for all, I have been preaching from the start about the corruption involved in the prison project when those quoting were told to build in a commission for the gang of crooks and if they did not they would not get the contract, and Nicholls was true to his word very true because he Bannister and Owing made a killing on the project to the tune of $ 200 million more than the commission originally requested of the local contractors.
This a most revealing hard hitting revelation on the status of the way this gov’t operates, not that it surprises me but now that it is there in black and white for all to see, I hope the ones that doubted our calls for honesty before are paying attention now.
YUM YUM I like it! // September 4, 2007 at 10:42 PM
I’ve just read the above and its sounds pretty bad for:
1) 3s
2)The gubbermint
Did you manage to see the “Particulars of claim”?
When is the actual trial?
This would make interesting reading.
Good work, David. Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back!
Wishing in Vain // September 4, 2007 at 10:50 PM
YUM YUM I like it!
Check this one out:
http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Ch/2007/1094.html
YUM YUM I like it! // September 4, 2007 at 11:08 PM
WIV
I read that from OOPS link earlier on.
I notice that Mabey have some heavyweight (expensive) lawyers behind them, so their obviously serious.
Could take ages to go to trial!
Wishing in Vain // September 4, 2007 at 11:17 PM
One thing is for certain and that is these 3S people are corrupt and dishonest as ever the The Jamaica Kickback Agreement could very easily be replaced with The Barbados Kickback Agreement, there is simply no doubt in my mind at all about the willingness to extort money from the taxpayers.
My question to those in office is after being exposed so many times and brought to the public’s attention so many times with so many cases of corruption and dishonesty do they not have the decency to do the right thing and step down from office?
This is abosolutely disgraceful and dishonest in most other parts of the world the gov’t would have been asked to resign and make way for elections and face charges for dishonesty in public office, I am not sure what our system will permit but at the very least they need to step down.
YUM YUM I like it! // September 4, 2007 at 11:32 PM
No doubt this a big story, but lets have a wager when it will be in the Nation.
I think, eh…next week, page 5.
What do you say?
We need proper investigative reporting here in Bim! If OOPS can get this off google in 10 seconds, where are the ‘REAL’ journos’!!!!!??
They’re too busy inventing little government good news stories (must be getting harder) or regurgitating last weeks international news.
Simple solution: boycott the press, EVERYONE, till they start doing some proper work.
I am serious.
Let your feet do the talking, even if you do feel sorry for the nice lady who sells the papers!
In fact, just give HER the dollar fifty and don’t take the rag.
Wishing in Vain // September 4, 2007 at 11:55 PM
My next real moment of satisfaction will come when the FBI start to question Bannister, Nicholls and Owing about the cheques they have received from VECO and their role in the scams involving VECO and the gov’t of Barbados.
I cannot wait that will be the icing on the cake, trust me if you do not think for one moment that FBI in their search of VECO has not revealed a paper trail to Nicholls et al you are dead wrong.
They will all over them when the timing is right, honestly it would be shameful to see Owing being arrested for corruption carried out with an American company that he benefitted from but it would be justice finally done, the arm of the FBI stretches long and far and it will get you if you are a guilty party to the act.
Would it not make a real amazing story or trivia question and that question would be which country had two Prime Ministers that were persona non grata and refused entry into the USA?
Well it would be Barbados when Tom Adams was refused to travel to or thru the USA because of the drug trade and use that he was party to and if Owing were to be charged by the USA authorites he to would be banned from travel to the USA amazing what can come up in these discussions.
David // September 5, 2007 at 2:15 AM
We have spent a significant time researching who built the flyovers in Panama and the answer keep coming back as Mabey and Johnson. Remember the government of Barbados told the people that 3S was responsible for building the fly overs in Panama. If any one can prove us wrong go ahead. Danos has spent a lot of time in Panama but it is as an employee of Mabey!
The other big question for government is why would they do a Build Operate Lease Transfer contract with a company which has been established for only 3 years? Here is a definition of what a BOLT is:
Why would the government of Barbados enter a BOLT arrangement with a private company which employs 5 people and was incorporated in 2005?
Idealist // September 5, 2007 at 2:21 AM
Where’s the link, David?
David // September 5, 2007 at 2:44 AM
Which link?
Confused Bajan // September 5, 2007 at 2:52 AM
Isn’t there grounds for the Opposition to bring a no confidence motion? Isn’t there enough for the DPP to start an investigation? Isn’t there enough for the Public Accounts Committee and the Leader of the Opposition to act?
But more importantly isn’t there enough for civil servants and goverment members of parliament to stand up and determine how they want to be remembered?
If this was here in the USA this story would have been exposed long time.
Idealist // September 5, 2007 at 2:55 AM
The link referred to in the now disappeared post.
Something to do with VoB in 2005?
David // September 5, 2007 at 3:00 AM
Ok, BU wanted to give this information as well. Thanks for reminding us, it has been a hectic night in the BU household trying to cross check stories.
Here is the link.
If anyone can, do some research in Jamaica where a company name DAG worked as the local company between government and Mabey on this project.
D. X. Macchinia // September 5, 2007 at 3:42 AM
A mere decade ago, the South Coast Sewage Project was mangled by Fomentos Y Cubiertas here in Bubbadooz? Man died of asthma from the dust in Hastings, cafe just starting – shut down for lack of customers, folks breaking legs and falls left right and center where they digging; Over in Jamaica? A six year old girl fell to her death due to badly marked trenches. Hmmm, why am I not surprised? Plus – E. Thompson-McDowell had to pay out real money for those incidents which led to her first ministerial demission, with a next imminent after elections with her oil village shenanigans
Idealist // September 5, 2007 at 4:16 AM
David:
Checked out Deryck A Gibson.
Seems like a Jamaican entrepreneur with pretensions.
His many and varied interests include :-
printing ( Digital Prepress Ltd ), construction equipment (DAG Ltd ), Ethanol Plant!! ( Energen Developments Ltd ), Project Development Committee of Port Antonio Marina, and on his nights off he is the Honorary Consul to Finland.
Now back to the net.
Good hunting.
BFPE // September 5, 2007 at 4:31 AM
The usual bunch of useless deluded BFP and BU idiots.
If you people had any common sense at all you would not be so AMAZINGLY STUPID!
FOUR LOVE IN WUNNA BACKSIDE!!!
BFPE.
Anonymous // September 5, 2007 at 4:43 AM
For me the most important question is: What will David Thompson do about all of this?
It’s no use us frothing at the mouth and getting an epiletic fit – then David Thompson gives them a pass.
We want this matter raised in the house as a question on the floor
We want the matter raised at every public forum wherever possible
We want criminal action taken immediately upon the DLP forming the government,and the matter expedited through the legal system – as government they can make it happen.
Enough of this **@#**
BFPE // September 5, 2007 at 4:53 AM
Anonymous,
“We want criminal action taken immediately upon the DLP forming the government…”
You fools are the STUPIDEST Bajans I have ever encountered anywhere.
Talk about DIM!
Seaside Sam.
BFPE // September 5, 2007 at 4:58 AM
D. X. Macchinia,
Another fool.
A six year old Jamaican girl fell into a barly-marked trench and died?
So?
How many Jamaicans get KILLED by trigger-happy Jamaicans every day?
And who do you think failed to mark the trenches properly except for some JAMAICAN worker(s)?
Christmas is coming… I’ll buy BRAINS for all you clowns and jokers.
Respect!
Seaside Sam.
Adrian Loveridge // September 5, 2007 at 5:16 AM
David..
Please add to your listing ,Mr Danos’ s email address:
j.danos@solutions3s.com
I have asked some questions and will report back IF any response.
Any links to VECO?
David // September 5, 2007 at 5:42 AM
BU continued this morning to break this story wide open and here is the latest. We spoke to a senior contact at Mabey who confirmed the following:
1. Mabey built all the flyovers in Panama, NOT 3S
2.The initial request for proposal from government was for road widening and several companies submitted offers. Mabey and the other companies which were not selected were surprise that the scope of the project was amended to include flyovers. No second tender was issued by government after the original proposal was amended
3. Senior officials from Mabey traveled to Barbados to persuade the government that Mabey was a company with a good track record of building flyovers all over the world and not 3S
4. At the pre-qualifying stage 3S should have been disqualified because of their lack of a track record
Mr. Danos was a recipient of the MBE award in 2000.
Adrian Loveridge // September 5, 2007 at 7:20 AM
David..
You mention that 3S LLC has been operating for 3 years.
Has Mr Danos been a Director or President for all that period (ie: while still an empolyee of Maybey and Johnson Ltd) ?
According to High Court action proceedings againist Mr Danos (and other three) started on 28th December 2006.
When did the Government of Barbados sign the BOLT agreement ?
Before or after 28th December 2006?
Wouldn’t have a simple due dilligence check by the Government Auditor General have shown up the proceedings against Mr Danos.
And finally, DANOS is the Greek word for burnt.
Idealist // September 5, 2007 at 7:28 AM
No contract, Adrian.
But a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Gline Clark in Sept 2006 according to The Nation.
I wonder what the understanding was?
Idealist // September 5, 2007 at 7:34 AM
Correction
Sept 2005 Memorandum of Agreement
Bush Tea // September 5, 2007 at 7:36 AM
I am no genius, but I think that the DLP person(s) calling themselves BFPE could ease off a bit. Obviously this is someone who is trying to make the BLP look like a bunch of complete fools and I feel that it is unnecessary.
This is the Government that WE elected and in any case, the facts seem to be doing a very good job of that already.
BFPE can’t possibly be a BLP minded person….
Ian Bourne // September 5, 2007 at 8:04 AM
I am surprised David has not isolated the IP and dealt with it, etc. What is this Four Love thing? I thought it was Six-Love that mattered when playing the game, unless they are not using a full deck, so to speak, LOL
Inkwell // September 5, 2007 at 8:18 AM
Exactly my conclusion, Bush Tea. BFPE must really have a low opinion of the intelligence of readers. That misjudgment has a well deserved boomerang effect and reflects badly on the DLP.
If the mainstream media don’t take up this story, it will be tantamount to a cover up. There is no rumour or insinuation here, only plain and verifiable facts.
These facts do not prove that there is corruption in the Government/3S relationship, but any Government that was innocent of corruption would immediately call a halt to the implementation of the present contract, an action for which there are certainly grounds, distance itself from the defendants and carry out its own investigation. For the Government not to take this course of action would be tantamount to an admission of guilt. We shall see.
Surely the DLP has now to take action. People who do not have access to or knowledge of BU and BFP (and there are many) have a right to be made aware of the present mess and we cannot rely on the mainstream media to do it. The DLP must, if it wants to retain any claim to be worthy representatives of the people. Public meetings and demonstrations are required.
That is the easy part. The hard part would be for the DLP to establish its credibility and support its outrage by a public commitment and action to institute integrity legislation and freedom of information laws that the people are now demanding. WE are waiting, DLP.
Wishing in Vain // September 5, 2007 at 8:21 AM
If we search closer we may well find the names of Hallam Nicholls, Glyne Bannister, Danos and a Steve Hobson being all linked up together.
This crook Steve Hobson is singularly responsible for more corruption than any other person around and he and Hallam Nicholls are business partners in a company named NSG if I am not mistaken, about the name only because the partnership is a real one, and he is responsible for getting Danos and 3S into each of these islands with the kickback scheme fully operational in each island that he operates in.
Idealist // September 5, 2007 at 8:40 AM
WIV:
NSG ( West Indies ) Inc. 1978?
Wishing in Vain // September 5, 2007 at 8:44 AM
See below he has his hand in yet another piece of money from the Barbados Gov’t.
http://www.nsgexports.com/news.html
Wishing in Vain // September 5, 2007 at 8:47 AM
Idealist
Yes this the Hallam Nicholls and Steven Hobson scam., look at their site more money awarded to them and they boast about it on the site.
Bush Tea // September 5, 2007 at 8:56 AM
WIV, Idealist, OOPS!… you people, and others, are beginning to restore my faith in Bajans yuh..
And David .. how do we ever repay you???
But to rehash on of my other beefs… Wanna see how expert people like OOPS and Idealist are at finding out almost ANYTHING about ANYTHING?
So tell me what is the role of the UWI now, that justifies spending hundreds of millions to expand the uselessness currently going on up there?
How is that institution helping this country to become efficient, competitive, and to progress? – Oh wait.. those civil servants (who knew all these ‘facts that we just uncovered’ from the beginning) are graduates of UWI… as are many of the ministers…. Hmmmmm
Wishing in Vain // September 5, 2007 at 9:08 AM
In any other society the PM and the entire gov’t would do the decent thing and that would be to resign.
I will wait with baited breath for this event to take place here.
When one considers the true extent of the corruption on this piece of rock and the fact that nearly the entire population is fully aware of the stealing by these politicians one would feel that they could scarely feel comfortable in trying to carry on in their role with this level of discontent around them, when you look at this cabinet and see that each one of them has their own scam going on is sad reflection about our leadership and their role in this fiasco, it is very, very bad indeed.
Wishing in Vain // September 5, 2007 at 9:27 AM
Once again let me express my gratitude to David at BU and those at BFP for their insistance and their continuous pushing for details in matters brought up on these sites.
It would never see the ligt of day in the normal press and even less of a chance showing up on CBC, so it thru this media that we finally get the chance to vent and also to learn.
I am very greatful to those that have chosen to maintain these sites to allow the freedom of expression the freedom to expose the corruption that we have in our mist.
Thank you all and best wishes for a long and lively blog.
Drillhall // September 5, 2007 at 9:38 AM
Does anyone find it interesting that Hillis-Carnes contracted to build the flyovers …..”has been providing sinkhole remediation services
for the past several years for Maryland State Highway Administration, land developers and commercial builders” for properties “..built on a karst formation”
Hmmmm what a coincidence
David // September 5, 2007 at 9:49 AM
Airbourne ~ banning IP’s is a 24/7 job. As you know, ADSL subscribers get dynamic IPs from C&W; they change daily. We don’t time to monitor the blog 24/7.
We have already stated that this BFPE person is a DLP operative using reverse psychology. We need to focus on the main issue and not become sidetracked by frivolous postings.
We think that we have been vindicated by allowing BFPE to post. If required, we will do what we have to.
BFPE // September 5, 2007 at 10:19 AM
What a bunch of brainless idiots!
Adrian Loveridge, you really should spend more time attending to your HOTEL.
BFPE.
David // September 5, 2007 at 10:30 AM
Adrian Loveridge ~you are right. 3s was incorporated in 2003. It is an LLC so the company is not required to submit any detail information. This is extremely concerning to know about a company which our government is giving tax dollars.
We find the date of incorporation interesting because it means that Danos would have been in his old job of Director of Sales and Exports at Mabey.
Wishing in Vain // September 5, 2007 at 11:14 AM
It is not that these politicians do not make background checks on these that are being awarded contracts, it is because of these checks that the contracts are awarded to these same questionable companies.
It is very clear to me that our gov’t will only contract those that are of their same ilk and prone to corruption, this group would not be likely be working with trustworthy companies if this were the case the contract would have been awarded to the one that has done these projects in the past the parent company Mabey and Johnson Ltd not this scamp Danos, NIcholls and Owing.
Adrian Loveridge // September 5, 2007 at 1:22 PM
Let me quote verbatim a response from Robert Capurro, the Director of Sales Latin American and the Caribbean from Mabey and Johnson Ltd -
‘Mabey and Johnson has supplied a number of steel flyovers to Panama since 1997.
As far as I am aware no other company has supplied and completed such steel flyovers in that country.
Kind Regards
Robert Capurro’.
BFPE // September 5, 2007 at 2:20 PM
Adrian Loveridge,
Go attend to your HOTEL.
BFPEM
Bush Tea // September 5, 2007 at 2:20 PM
how safe are these flyovers anyway?
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/09/04/10151267.html
Braccus // September 5, 2007 at 2:21 PM
Adrian Loveridge,
Go attend to your HOTEL.
B F P E Braccus
David // September 5, 2007 at 2:31 PM
Does anyone have the client list of 3s? Which countries have they built flyovers for?
Inkwell // September 5, 2007 at 2:48 PM
It is interesting that my call for the opposition to take this matter public doesn’t get any support from the DLP contributors here. Do they fear the rising demand for integrity and freedom of information legislation?
Adrian Loveridge // September 5, 2007 at 3:11 PM
David…
I cannot find a single OTHER country where they have installed flyovers. Did you see the response I had from Robert Capurro the Director of Sales Latin Ametica and Caribbean for Mabey and Johnson Ltd?
The was a picture of Mr Danos with a Government representative in Panama published in La Prensa, BUT M & J state ‘as far as we are aware no other company has supplied and completed such steel flyovers in that country’.
HOW DID 3S qualify for the job?
David // September 5, 2007 at 3:23 PM
Adrian Loverige~we thank you for your confirmation of what we reported from our interview with a senior official at Mabey’s this morning. It is clear based on any criteria that at the pre-qualifying stage 3s should have been disqualified. A fairly weighty characteristic of any company which responds to a request for proposal is their client list. It gives the opportunity for the prospective client to meet with clients served by the company and get direct feedback on their satisfaction levels.
The government officials from Barbados, who I presume traveled to Panama to eyeball the flyovers, who did they meet with and it what capacity did Danos introduce himself to the Panamanians or did he?
Some thing appears to have seriously gone wrong here. We can only hope that the many government officials who are reading the story as we speak would stand up and let the country know what happened, after all you have pledged allegiance to your country.
OOPS! // September 5, 2007 at 3:28 PM
There is a STRONG possibility that this company was set up solely for the purpose of securing and performing this ONE contract!
Expect to see 3S disappear as soon as they are done and the money is in pocket!
International operating companies make a habit of this, for tax and liability reasons.
Bush Tea // September 5, 2007 at 3:55 PM
Sometimes I wonder….
Long time now I suggested that this 3S is simply a SCAM set up to fleece Barbados. Why you all don’t ask bizzy what he knows about this whole thing?… and stop guessing.
It may even have been done with good intentions.. but every rule was broken.. especially rules of common sense.
Bush Tea // September 5, 2007 at 4:05 PM
The worst-case scenario now is that the whole thing will be abandoned midway; years will pass with the highway in a mess; it will cost another $400 million to get a “real real” company to complete it -and we will endure years of chaos (wait till Monday when school starts to see what I mean….)
But wait…. That also happened to:
The sewerage Project
The Greenland Dump
The BIDC place at Newton
The Warrens Building
St Leonard’s School….and these just off the top of my head.
If this is preparation for First World then Lord PLEASE help us…
Idealist // September 5, 2007 at 4:31 PM
David :
Two quickies -
1) How do you build $380m of flyovers with only 5 employees and a desk? Of course they have not done this before.
2) OOPS!. You’re forgetting that 3S has a 25 year lease and maintenance contract with GoB.
Long term payback.
Roger Rabbitt // September 5, 2007 at 7:06 PM
David
I have not been posting for a while. Being busy I was only able to read some of the postings for the past two weeks. However, I find the rambling of BFPE whoever he/she is to be most sickening to say the least.
No one should wait for he/she to self destuct when the person should be banned.
I don’t think that any DLP supporter could be so stupid. Perhaps the person wants us to think that it is from the DLP.
Anonymous // September 5, 2007 at 9:22 PM
@#$#@ peoples stop wasting time commenting on rubbish posts and go find something worthwhile to do
Wishing in Vain // September 5, 2007 at 10:16 PM
Does it not strike anyone as being strange that Bizzy Williams would have read these post and todate he has chosen not to say a single word about them ?
If I did not know better I would say that he and his group are part of the corruption of this Gov’t and would have been the local like the Gibson in Jamacia was to Danos.
DeMarlehole // September 6, 2007 at 12:38 AM
Hi,
Who owns the company called “Structual Systems”?; wouldn’t it not be more than ironic COW is in road works and Bizzy being in steel works.
Put the two together! Thought it might be obvious.
David // September 6, 2007 at 2:52 AM
Wishing In Vain~you have been asked a question by Inkwell and other. What is your party doing about this latest news? Some of us are getting impatient with the rhetoric.
Anonymous // September 6, 2007 at 6:46 AM
Listen Folks
An interesting observation.
Under section 40 (2C) of the Jamaican constitution – a candidate is disqualified from entering the house or being appointed as a senator if he/she dinot declare one (1) month before the election whether he/she was party to a government contract,or was a partner or director with a company who has a government contract.
It seems as though some of those MPs who won their seats in Jamaica didnot make this declaration and could have their victory challenged.
Food for thought for us here in Barbados.
Oh that this clause was in before this BLP tievin administration came into office.
Wishing in Vain // September 6, 2007 at 7:57 AM
David, Let me first state that I am not a member of the opposition nor am I even a member of the opposition party.
What I am is a very concerned citizen that has observered gross acts of corruption and dishonesty with our ruling party and I have opted to speak out about this corruption.
I have no authority or capability to speak as an opposition member, I speak purely as one who loves Barbados but hates to see it being raped at it is presently being raped at this time.
And yes I honestly feel it is imperative that the electorate pays attention to this election and vote to change and put a halt to this lacky style gov’t.
Where a few have made millions at the expense of a nation, do you think that it could be fear or that I could be happy when Nicholls, Bannister and Owing can defraud us the taxpayers by $ 440 million for the benefit of their own bank accounts in just two projects, while we continue to see hell and taxed and VATED to the hilt ?
Wishing in Vain // September 6, 2007 at 8:09 AM
http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Ch/2007/1094.html
Is this not remarkable and I am not sure how they got it done but you can no longer access that link, when I first went to it I actually printed out the full case but I tried today and there is no link now what you think went on there ?
Thistle // September 6, 2007 at 8:15 AM
WIV: It is still there – I just pulled it up!
Idealist // September 6, 2007 at 8:16 AM
WIV:
I just connected to it by using the link on OOPS!’s post
Wishing in Vain // September 6, 2007 at 8:26 AM
http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Comm/2003/1523.html
I think we better study carefully these flyovers as they seem to have some structral flaws.
It seems to be acting up yes I just got on now myself.
Roger Rabbitt // September 6, 2007 at 9:22 AM
In light of all this, are we still going through with these flyovers?
Haven’t heard a word from Glyne Clarke in recent times.
BTW, what is the job title of Hallam Nicholls as he seems to be chief cook and bottle washer in everything bout de place?
Wishing in Vain // September 6, 2007 at 9:39 AM
Roger Rabbit,
It could be any number of titles, purveyor of prostitutes for he and Owing, Faciliator of works as he has done in the oil storage facility, the Prison, the flyovers, the Slot machines,Banker as he does for the accounts of he Bannister and Owing as you can see he is multi talented.
PS Do not expect to hear anyhing from any of them I think the reality may now be settling in and that reality is that the public is now getting a better grasp of the extent of their corruption and their stealing, if anyone says anything it will be Owing as none of them have the authority to speak without his blessing, and what he will say? Are you going to believe me or your lying eyes?
Wishing in Vain // September 6, 2007 at 9:52 AM
What is absolutely amazing is the greed and totally callous approach to these kickback deals, we have a road works project moving from $ 60 million to $ 180 milliom US $ I may add and the proven state that those associated with these same projects in other places instituted a Jamaica Kickback Agreement, we have people who have never built a prison with a contract to build its only prison attempt with a cost overrun of $ 200 million and the TV news nor the radio stations nor the newspapers have the heart or willingness to deal with the subject matter ?
These people all of them are crooks and grossly dishonest, what more does it take to wake our people up and let them see that when our gov’t and our leaders get into bed with ones of this ilk they to must be tarnished with the branding as crooks as the ones before the court have been.
They are in bed with them because they are know to play the game that the PM and company wants them to play and they are two of a kind both corrupt and both dishonest.
quick note // September 6, 2007 at 10:52 AM
Hey Roger Rabbit Glyne Clarke is on sick leave recuperating from surgery
YUM YUM I like it! // September 6, 2007 at 11:05 AM
QUESTION
If 3S president is being taken to court by Mabey and Johnson, who is constructing the fly-overs?
Mabey and Johnson seem the world leaders in this field, but do you think they would deal with Danos given the ongoing legal battle?
Wishing in Vain // September 6, 2007 at 11:24 AM
The increase in the cost maybe the method Danos is using to cover his legal fees expenses.
But seriously, I am doubtful that Mabey and Johnson would be too willing to have an ongoing relationship with this crook Danos while they have him in court, so what does that mean to Owing, and the Gov’t of Barbados?
They the gov’t may well have to rethink their plan of action in the awarding of this contract, it maybe be to blatant to still proceed with 3S after this disclosure.
OOPS! // September 6, 2007 at 11:35 AM
Idealist
I am sure that the maintainance contract would not be worth a jot if this “s.r.l.” company ceased to exist!
Idealist // September 6, 2007 at 12:36 PM
OOPS!:
Tell me if I’m being simple, but is is not true that a BOLT contract is in essence a lease with the title to the roads, bridges, prison etc. tranferred to the lessee on the completion, say 25 years.
What benefit would 3S derive if, after going to the expense of building the things, they disappear without collecting their payback.
Bush Tea // September 6, 2007 at 1:53 PM
Idealist
Your logic works if 3S had used their OWN money to do the work (and what-ever-else). However, If this is ‘borrowed funding’, guaranteed, ( let us say) by the Government of Barbados, let us say from the BNB (which don’t belong to us anymore anyhow) then why would 3S not run?..??
You don’t think LeHunte would lend 5 people from a one-man office $120M just so -do you?
Now if I was 3S, I would…
1. Jack up the overall costs by about 3 tomes (well it IS 3S…)
2. Draw down the necessary percentage of the funds available (say 60% of the inflated extimate)
3. Disappear somewhere in South America…
Now -if only these F****** Bajan bloggers would go away…
Foolish David -Foolish!!
Bush Tea // September 6, 2007 at 2:26 PM
Idealist
Quite true – if you had spent your own money!
But suppose this was all funded by someone – say the BNB, and guaranteed by the Government of Barbados? (you don’t think LeHunte would lend $150M to five men in a one year old company do you? -Remember BNB belong to T&T now)
Would you not?;
1. Raise the amount of money needed
2. Draw down as much as you can
3. Find yourself in South America – far from Barbados AND English courts?
…Now if only those F****** Bajan Bloggers would go away…
(Foolish David FOOLISH!!!)
de gap // September 6, 2007 at 3:29 PM
“Some questions, more farce, and nuff fiction”
If the prima facie case of “alleged fraud” is so strong, why is there still want for a criminal prosecution? Apparently, the “alleged fraud” is more farce and nuff fiction.
Since Monsieur Danos has been a senior executive with MaBey for over 14 years, did he experience a sudden bout of dementia for a few dollars more on one insignificant project in Jamaica?
If Monsieur Danos was the principal project manager in Panama for MaBey why wouldn’t he be within his rights to cite the work done in Panama as one of his many accomplishments when he is also one of the principals of 3S?
Where is the evidence of any instance of fraud or kickbacks on the project in Bim on the part of the PM, and MP, Sir Cow or any assortment of well healed white men?
How big of a non-story is this?
Anonymous // September 6, 2007 at 3:35 PM
Excusez-moi madame,
But is degap between your ears.
Wishing in Vain // September 6, 2007 at 3:51 PM
de gap
What this event clearly shows us is the propensity for the head of the company contracted to build these flyovers one Danos to be part of a scam to rob the taxpayers of Jamaica with their Jamaica KICKBACK AGREEMENT and by extension the Barbados taxpayers as well, as the same players being involved here as well with an even more corrupt gov’t involved fuelling the BARBADOS KICKBACK AGREEMENT.
This all falls into a certain pattern with the cost overruns on project after project, the oil storage facility no quotes have ever been made public but because of those that are involved it would be reasonable to assume that this was overpriced as well,the Prison, by $ 200 million the road works project by $ 240 million and the same players are common to all of these projects that is Bannister, Nicholls and Owing why would we have any doubt that there would be fraud committed with the road works project ?
Look at who is involved and their background and their history, Nicholls has never done an honest days work in his life he has lived from one scam to the next that is maybe why he linked up with Steven Hobson, Glyne Bannister and Owing to create the largest network of crooks ever assembled in Barbados.
de gap // September 6, 2007 at 4:36 PM
Wishing in Vain,
Just because a project experienced overruns does not necessarily evidence fraud or official corruption. Bids are nothing more than projections which are subject to change with the slightest move in hundreds of variables. The case may verily well be that firms are submitting their most conservative bids to win the contract, but then are forced to deal with undeniable realities.
Anonymous,
We all have our crosses to bear.
Wishing in Vain // September 6, 2007 at 4:44 PM
Come on man, a cost over run is one thing but to under budget by $ 240 million is another.
Do not try to explain this in childish terms this is nonsense.
We have a party in power who is sucking us and the treasury dry while their pockets are filling you need it put any more straight forward?
A quote for a project is what the basis is for payment and work done, where else other than in BGI will you hace a quote for $ 120 million and the work before it finishes or even half way it climbs to $ 360 million, give me a break are we going to continue to condone stealing like this?
Idealist // September 6, 2007 at 4:53 PM
Danos has failed to file a defence to Mabey’s claim of fraud – on the grounds that it may incriminate himself!
From a 14 year executive that’s pretty conclusive.
Wishing in Vain // September 6, 2007 at 5:08 PM
Idealist You are in the news and on the ball!!!
David // September 6, 2007 at 5:14 PM
de Gap~a successful bid of USD60 million which has moved to USD180 million cannot be termed overruns. It means that something has seriously gone wrong to the cost model used previously!
Wishing in Vain // September 6, 2007 at 5:17 PM
BARBADOS KICKBACK AGREEMENT just happened to increase after all if they are leaving office they need a nice sized nest egg!!!
Anonymous // September 6, 2007 at 5:26 PM
David
I’m sure you really mean:” A succesful bid of $120 million bd$ which has moved to 360 million bd$ – don’t yah??
Idealist // September 6, 2007 at 8:35 PM
David:
I caught a fleeting glimpse of posts by BFPE and Froghie and they have now thankfully disappeared.
Does this represent a sea change in your moderation policy?
Unapologetic // September 6, 2007 at 8:59 PM
I told you already, I goin’ tell you again. These people, 3S or S3, S is for SCAMMERS, along with their Stoogies in the Barbados Cabinet, knew the cost of this “big foot move” of a project from the beginning.
This was not cost model gone wrong, it’s an old scam. 3S President as a little boy probably did it often when asking mother for stuff. Let’s say he wanted a camera, he’d say it only cost $50. This would however only buy the body, and after that came home, mother would learn that it now needed a lens, flash, filters, bag, film, etc. all of which brings it to $300.
Old scam, new victims, docile (stupid) Barbadians who believe in their Guvment.
David // September 6, 2007 at 9:41 PM
Bush Tea~you are losing us here please slow down!
It is our understanding that BOLT agreements are used by government to tap private sector funds. If this is the case then your argument does not make sense. Why would government lend 3s money? That would defeat the purpose of the BOLT. Since 3s is building and is responsible for operating/maintaining for 25 years what we don’t understand is where their profit/payback will come in the 25 year period. Sometime ago COW mention toll fares on the highway. Are to understand that 3s may exact toll fares from Barbadians?
Digger // September 6, 2007 at 10:39 PM
De Gap considers this a non-story…
A company that came into existence for this project with no previous track record of managing a road project of this magnitude, constructing or installing steel flyovers, presents a flashy but technically inadequate presentation to cabinet, is AWARDED a contract without a fair bidding process; prepares the budget and terms of reference themselves with no independent oversight.
The contract signed is an “interesting” variation on a BOLT contract where the Barbados Government guarantees a loan from BNB to cover the published contract sum of US$60 to widen the highway from Sobers to Warrens and install 5 flyovers. The project manager then tells the nation more than a year after starting that the cost has tripled due to additional widening and “unforeseen” issues with utilities…
This is the biggest scandal to hit these shores in recent times yet you consider it a non-story???
BTW, from researching Mabey’s role in the Panama project, their system is a patented system. A senior project manager who left the company and opens a company of five employees does not have the capability to claim that system as their own let alone manufacture the system efficiently.
This company will disapear as quickly as it appeared. They will pay themselves (an others) handsomely during construction with the Govt guaranteed money and leave us holding the bag to maintain the project…that is the true meaning of BOLT!!!!
Idealist // September 7, 2007 at 4:50 AM
3S have are already on record as having$240m of BNB funding in place.
As Bush Tea says it would be impossible for a start-up company to negotiate that sort of facility without a blue chip guarantor.
It is illogical that GOB would as lessee guarantee their own lease arrangement, that would negate the sole purpose of BOLT (to defer capital expense)
Could it be that BNB is more to this project than financier, more likely to be the major partner?
What would Bajans say to paying ABC road tolls to Trinis?
Thompson has asked, in Parliament, to have a sight of these BOLT agreements, and been refused.
In view of these latest revelations, he should publicly demand that the Public Accounts Committee be allowed to study these documents, if only to protect Barbados’ position should 3S default.
Let the Government explain to the people should they refuse again.
Bush Tea // September 7, 2007 at 9:13 AM
David
I could not have responded as clearly as has Digger…
Wishing in Vain // September 8, 2007 at 12:42 PM
He is as much a bajan maybe even more of a bajan than you at least he has the country at heart unlike you and your gang.
de gap // September 10, 2007 at 8:05 AM
How many years and how much experience would a senior project manager need to have to qualify for a DLP project? Danos is imminently qualified. I don’t think MaBey kept him around for 14 years only as window dressing. Danos probably came in with the lowest bid, but the lowest isn’t always the best. Contractors submit low-ball bids just to win the contract all the time. The real underlying issue is a lack of due diligence. The PM and cabinet apparently made a decision on something they knew little or nothing about without the requisite consultation with subject matter experts, but it’s a long way from endemic corruption.
Adrian Loveridge // September 10, 2007 at 9:07 AM
DeGap…
I think you should read online an article in the British Guardian 21 December 2005 entitled ‘SFO studies corruption clains against UK bridge builder’.
‘The Serious Fraud Squad is examining allegations of possible corruption involving the British bridge-builder, Mabey and Johnson in both the Phillipines and Iraq’.
They are also investigating claims by the Papua, New Guinea opposition party that they contributed to the ruling parties funds to secure bridge contracts.
It would be very interesting to know when Mr Danos actually left the employment of Mabey and Johnson Ltd and when the USA based 3S Structual Steel Solutions LLC and the Barbados based 3S (Barbados), SRL were formed?
DeGap , just remind me what Mr Danos is ‘imminently qualified’ in?
de gap // September 10, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Being investigated and being convicted of a crime are still two very distinct things. Allegations are made routinely only to be determined to be unfounded. Monsieur Danos is imminently qualified in the field he has worked in for many years with MaBey (whatever that may be).
S3 has only being in existence for 3 years, and has several principals who are former senior employees of MaBey. If I was making the decision, 3S would have a lot of hurdles to overcome, but I’m not privy to what was presented to cabinet.
Bush Tea // September 10, 2007 at 11:07 AM
De gap
If you were making the decision, AND you were competent, and you were honest, 3S would not even prequalify for this contract.
my man – that would be like letting a company that never build a prison before build the one at Dodds –
wait -bad example
.. like Rural Development giving work to ‘building contractors’ who never build anything in their lives before
..wait !! you right, this like it is normal business for Barbados yuh.
more // September 14, 2007 at 12:20 PM
Please would one of the WIlliams brothers (COW or Bizzy) tell us how the flyovers were being financed? I seem to remember reading somewhere that one or both brothers were responsible for the financing and were to be repaid by GOB (i.e. we the taxpayers) over time.
Is this accurate?
Kevin // September 14, 2007 at 1:32 PM
Inaccurate as far as I know. BNB is arranging financing in something called a BOLT structure – although if you google or wikipedia BOLT Financing you will conclude that this is not a typical BOLT because it is a three way arrangement – Government, 3S and BNB.
Also as far as I know the steel structures are not being made by Bizzy – these specialty structures are prefabricated away.
Country Girl At Heart // September 14, 2007 at 2:37 PM
Wait! I sure I read that the original price for the Highway Expansion was for flyovers, some road widening, a traffic study and traffic light synchronization. Now we got a four lane highway complete with median barrier and we wondering why the price gone up. It seems to me like the whole project change. What we really got to ask is if we getting value for money.
There is no doubt in my mind that we had to do something about our road network. We can question Danos’ bona fides, but is his company capable of doing the job. From what I see the work looks of a high quality.
And to tell you the truth I tired of all these politicians and their apologist crying corruption when they are in Opposition and going on to do the same when they are in office. I would like to send the whole lot of them out to sea on a barge.
David // September 14, 2007 at 2:45 PM
Kevin I think they use steel to build roads so don’t restrict your perspective to flyovers only.
YUM YUM I like it! // September 14, 2007 at 2:56 PM
Country Girl At Heart
You are entirely right. We need to hear more from the DLP about their intentions to stamp out corruption!!
The way things are going right now, BFP and BU are working hell for leather to uncover all this scullduggery and who benefits? The DLP, that’s who! For them to come into government and do the very same thing! Years from now we may be in the same situation all over again!
The blogs are puuting pressure on the BLP, so lets put the thumbscrews on the DLP to live up to their integrity promises.
What Barbados needs is a viable third party!
Anyone out there interested?
Wishing in Vain // September 14, 2007 at 3:02 PM
Country Girl At Heart the barge you have used may have already sailed and left you behind.
The real issue here is accountability to the masses and this is certainly not what is taking place here when the cost ( as was revealed by a contractor not even a gov’t minister ) of a project can triple overnight and still the ones who are going to be paying the bill are in the dark about exactly what they are being called on to pay for.
Then tofind out that the one allocated this work is a fraud who conspired to rob the Jamaician people in work that he undertook there and we contract him do so the same thing here?
bashy // September 14, 2007 at 3:57 PM
Country girl at heart
If you get a builder to give you a price for a new house and then want numerous chances , marble floors gold taps in the bath room and overall size increases do you think he is going to build it for his original estimate?
If the client ie the Barbados Government has increased the ’scope of works’ it is logical that it is no longer the original concept and will be priced accordingly.
Gapp // July 12, 2008 at 8:41 PM
i have a,ways been impressed by the investigations done by the owners of this site… having said this I was quite pleased to hear that Barbados was no longer going to be in an arrangement with this ghosts company called 3S.. its a real shame that our then BLP governent did not carry out the bacis due dillegance on the company and its owners.. but then again I suspect that they might have and it fit certian peoples requirements … I would like to know if any pass government minister got any draw back for awarding 3S this contract.. and My GOd id they did i say lock them to shite up.. I am ashame of what has been allowed to happen on this little rock for the pass few years..
David // July 13, 2008 at 9:16 AM
@Gapp
It is interesting that a new BU family member has resurrected this blog which was posted in September 2007. Is it conceivable that the DLP maybe using a strategy to force this matter to litigation? During a court case there is a lot of dirt that maybe exposed on this matter.
ummmmmmmmm according to CH
Wishing In Vain // July 13, 2008 at 10:17 AM
How did President of 3S Barbados SRL Jonathan Danos ever get into the island??
If we search closer we may well find the names of Hallam Nicholls, Glyne Bannister , BIZZY WILLIAMS and a Steve Hobson being all linked up together.
This crook Steve Hobson is singularly responsible for more corruption than any other person around and he and HALLAM NICHOLLS are responsible for getting Danos and 3S into each of these islands with the kickback scheme fully operational in each island that he operates in.
The role the other scamp Bizzy Williams played was to faciliate the flow of foreign currency out of this island by the DANOS ROUTE
Tell the Taxpayers if it is not true that the same DANOS recently presented a bill for $ 20 million to the Gov’t of Barbados when it was checked it was proven to be $ 20,000.00 worth of work that was to be paid for, do you understand the FRAUD that DANOS, NICHOLLS, BIZZY WILLIAMS, STEVEN HOBSON and BANNISTER have been playing on us???
» ‘Corruption and climate of fear’ in UK’s Caribbean territories Keltruth Corp.: News Blog of Keltruth Corp. - Miami, Florida, USA. // December 2, 2008 at 2:03 AM
[...] President Of 3S Barbados Limited Jonathan Danos Is Being Sued For Fraud And Conspiracy By Mabey, His… [...]
Anonymous // January 26, 2009 at 12:57 PM
In court round up in the UK the Danos person won his court case being totally cleared. His previous employer Mabey & Johnson is now under major investigation by the UK Fraud Office but Danos was totally and uterly cleared.