British contractor suspended over Iloilo flyover project
By David Israel Sinay
Visayas Bureau
Last updated 04:20pm (Mla time) 10/10/2007ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has suspended the British contractor of a flyover project in Iloilo City due to alleged discrepancies in some portions of the project, its central office has said.
The DPWH reached the decision after it found out that the contractor for the P400-million project, Mabey and Johnson Ltd., failed to comply with the project’s specifications, including the required strength of reinforced bars of the piers, said Rolando Asis, DPWH regional director.
The piers hold the columns supporting the flyover structure.
Asis said that the contractor failed to meet the requirement of the flyover’s tensile strength and yielding point of “Grade 60.”
READ MORE: Inquirer Philippine
Earlier on, we read a report from Hill-Carnes, the engineering company contracted by 3S Barbados SRL to carry out geological work on the integrity of the foundation of the flyovers and four- lane highway. How convenient it seems that for months Barbadians have been clamoring for information about the project, and at this late hour snippets of information are starting to slowly roll-out. Let’s get down to brasstacks: Barbadians want to see a copy of the report Hill-Carnes, and NOW!
Bizzy Williams, please confirm the grade steel you intend to use in the piers on Barbados flyovers. Barbadians want to know, NOW!
Question, Questions, Questions. Barbadians want Answers, Answers, Answers.
Previous Stories
Barbadians Demand to See The April, 2006 Drawings Detailing The Operations Free Flow Project NOW The Flyovers
Clyde Mascoll Needs Only Three Minutes To Do Damage Control On 3S Barbados SRL
Operations Free Flow Should Be Stopped NOW Pending A Further Geo-technical Study Media Houses In Barbados In Collusion With Government To Suppress News, Press Freedom Under Threat ~ The Voices Of The People Must Be Heard
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
ABC Highway Cost Triples Or More
122 responses so far ↓
Wishing in Vain // October 10, 2007 at 9:29 AM
Another day another scam in our faces , why does it seem that everything these people touch is dishonest and bastardly?
Why is there not a single project been able to be completed on time and within budget?
I put it to you that this is all part of the bigger picture to swindle the taxpayers out of their hard earned cash and redirect it to the pockets of our masters.
I am still awaiting news on what Owing collected to reroute the Batts Rock road that now deprives citizens from the lovely drive along the beach to a new restricted area?
Wishing in Vain // October 10, 2007 at 9:37 AM
Just when you thought that it could get no worst look what pops up for all to see, we have a fraud working for one that is also carrying out dishonest acts that will cost us peoples lives.
No wonder Danos and Mabey and Johnson worked so well together they are all frauds with a mission to rape us.
Wishing in Vain // October 10, 2007 at 9:39 AM
scam have you not yet realised that your imput makes little or no difference to anyone on here it is like if it does not happen so why bother.???
Frankology // October 10, 2007 at 9:46 AM
I read the two-year delay info of Hillis-Carnes after BAPE confronted the Highway project. How come that no mention was made of the fractures and decomposed limestone that was reported earlier. Probably, the report submitted by the first engineers might have caused problems and the reason for a new damage control team. I would like to know the reason for the delay or the voice of the people have overpowered them.
Frankology // October 10, 2007 at 10:05 AM
Let me clarify my last post. I was speaking of the report that is in today’s Nation and this report should have been submitted 2 years ago.
David // October 10, 2007 at 10:42 AM
Recently Grenville Phillips III expressed concern that the steel used in Barbados was banned in the USA. He went on to say that the steel produced in Trinidad which is used by Structural Systems and others is a steel of lower quality used to supply low risk projects like roads. It would be interesting to know the quality steel proposed on the flyovers and other projects
Frankology // October 10, 2007 at 11:10 AM
I was just checking back on past Nation Newspapers and came across the October 30, 2005 issue.
During the Barbados Labour Anuual conference, a gentleman by the name of George Siddall, the Project Manager of 3S Barbados SRL . This is what he said “We’re widening out the whole of the length of the ABC Highway between the Garfield Sobers Roundabout in the south and the Darcy Scott Roundabout at Warrens in the north” I am wondering why Mr. Mascoll would have defended the said Mr. Siddall since he only joined The Barbados Labour Party in January 2006.
I would like an answer why the cost of the flyovers had to be increase to the magnitude of $360 million, when Government already had plans and had intentions of widening the entire road. Since the final testing was only completed in March, probably the reason for Mr. Siddall spoke of the tripling of work/cost.
ABC // October 10, 2007 at 11:41 AM
Frankology, from what I understand there are several factors that caused the cost to increase to $360 million – here are the major ones:
1 – steel prices have increased by about 40% from 2005 to now – steel is a major component of the project due to the flyovers. I think this is excusable as it is not a factor that could easily be controlled or necessarily forecast at that time.
2 – the utility works were not estimated correctly and there are/were several oversights/overruns related to the 69kv cable running along the highway from the Belle to Warrens. There was also an unexpected maze of utilities that needed to be moved in Warrens. This is less excusable but the fault should be equally bourne by the utilities and the project. Some argue that some of this work was unnecessary – for instance moving BL&P cables that were fine and have a very low failure rate because MPT didn’t want anyone digging up the new road even though the related risk was very small.
3 – the regrading of the Bermuda triangle stretch was not in the original cost from what I understand but was deemed necessary from a safety perspective.
4 – this one has had virtually no attention. There was no contract signed before commencement of works and a major part of this is agreeing per unit costs of the civil works for the road widening. Because there is an abundance of construction projects going on in the island, the project had to pay premium rates to the subcontractors to get them to do the work. Otherwise they would have had little incentive to push themselves to do the work. This probably ended up costing 10 to 15% more – but that is my guesstimate.
I am not aware of any major scope changes but one other thing that may have been an addition is the jersey barriers – I am not certain that they were in the original plan.
The Government screwed themselves on this – the cost was never going to be B$120 or B$140 million though they insisted on using these figures at the beginning. A more reasonable estimate at the time was B$200 to B$240 – now it is B$360 an increase of about 60% to 65%.
I’d roughly attribute the overruns listed above as:
1-steel 15%-20%
2-utilities 10%-15%
3-Bermuda triangle – 5%-10%
4-premiums to subs – 5%-10%
That only adds up to 35% to 55% increase but I don’t know the details (these are guesstimates) and I don’t know what other components there would be.
Wishing in Vain // October 10, 2007 at 11:51 AM
http://www.keltruth.com/070813%20Amended%20Statement%20of%20Claim.PDF
Frankology // October 10, 2007 at 12:08 PM
If the Memorandum of Understanding contained the agreed amount in the first place, we would not be discussing this now. I said the road widening section for a dual carriageway from Warrens to Gary Sobers roundabout was known since September 2005 during the Barbados Labour Party Annual Conference. That simply mean, any new scope of work was really the amount of money that should have been included for the Flyovers, since 200% over-runs is impossible.
By the way, who is building the flyovers? What is the individual cost of manufacturing each flyover, the cost of erection and any other surprises?
By your own admission re: Section 4, we can see the reason for the over runs. In an earlier blob, I spoke of Government and 3S Barbados SRL might have signed with the cost omitted from the contract, and Mr. Siddall inform the Barbadian Public on August 25, 2007. What a laugh
Frankology // October 10, 2007 at 12:10 PM
Mr. ABC, thanks for confirming the $360 million for the highway
Frankology // October 10, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Calling Mosquito. BFP and BU readers are awaiting your submissions, especially the damage controlled story from Hillis-Carnes after the initial report of the negative aspect of our limestones. The said flyover project by Mabey & Johnson had problems with a cave-in on the same flyover project. see http://thedailyguardian.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1837&Itemid=1about
ABC // October 10, 2007 at 1:17 PM
I didn’t confirm it – 3S did weeks ago, that’s my source for the current estimated cost.
The most pertinant question that anyone has asked is why didn’t the Gov’t manage the message properly by communicating honestly with the country.
If they were upfront about the true estimated cost at the start, people wouldn’t be as shocked by a 65% overrun as the are over what appears to be a 200% overrun.
David // October 10, 2007 at 1:19 PM
ABC~is it not obvious? The cost of the project (flyovers) should have been driven by the tendering process. The fact that there was non is at the heart of the problem.
Frankology // October 10, 2007 at 1:33 PM
I would like to know the true figure 25 years from now after repayment based on e BOLT arrangement. Would it be the same $360 million or another substantial percentage more.
mosquito // October 10, 2007 at 1:55 PM
Frankology
Here is my submission. Well done 3S for your professional and thorough approach in bringing in Hillis Carnes to do this study.
mosquito // October 10, 2007 at 2:01 PM
WIV
I heard that Mr Danos dog lifted its leg on a lampost the other day . This has severe implications of the steel of the said post and should be brought to the notice of the public at once.
mosquito // October 10, 2007 at 2:17 PM
ABC
Where did 3S confirm any figures?
There were no figures given out at all.What was said in the Nation was that there was an increase in the scope of works no figure was mentioned.
OWING BANNISTER NICHOLLS // October 10, 2007 at 2:30 PM
To the hand to mouth idiot Royaljackass,
Mr Thompson that you are so taken with can and will continue to ask the hard questions of your leadership or lack thereof of course there is major corruption in every project that this adminstration has taken on and you ask why well because it is their method of extracting monies from the taxpayers to their personal bank accounts I have tried to keep it in simple terms as I know this is where your small brain functions.
He Arthur has been involved in every kickback arrangement that has taken place in this island in the last 14 years he is red handed crook just as Hallam Nicholls and Glyne Bannister are as well.
Stop shoving your head in the sand you idiot and tell us the taxpayers where the Fu____G money has gone to with the PRISON that is three times over budget being built by a company that is know and charged for bribing politicians,because you refused to award it to the local contractors because they refused to pay Owing, Nicholls and Bannister the 7 % commission that they requested I assume you see nothing illegal in this request either, or the dishonest bastard Danos being awarded the road works project all the while he is facing fraud charges in the UK, meanwhile they casually reveal that the price now increases to a whopping $ 360 million taxpayers dollars,or what about the Warrens building cost overruns there $ 5 million and counting by the time that the courts are finished with them it could well exceed $ 125 million, what about the Baths that Liz Thompsons husband built no cost over runs there are they?
Then we have the fiasco of Macolls Hardwood that he is shafting everyone with they collect $ 2 million of our taxpayers monies and and the equipment that they purchase with this $ 2 million is brought in the Managing Director’s name not Hardwood name but the Director’s name who in turn least the same equipment back to them at Hardwood, let me remind you this is all our money that these Rats are sharing out among themselves and their friends.
The Prime Minister the AG and the DPM have many things to face up to and address, this lot must rate as simply the most corrupt lot of scamps ever collected in the house of assembly, this lot have single handly raped this countries treasury to the point of no return.
You see my friend many of us are not so loyal to any party to stick our heads in the sand and ignore the dishonesty that is this BLP party, I have voted for he BLP on 3 occassions but not this time, your first two terms you did offer some hope but sadly you have become too corrupt for your own good and the extent of your stealing is at an all time high, lord help us please.
Why would you feel this way is beyond me-:
Let me say now that the PM does not have to answer any questions from the lil boy Thompson.
Why maybe because he is unable to come out and speak truthfully about any subfect because they all implicate him in some form of corruption or the other.
He nor none of them have even attempted to speak on the issue of the corrupt company VECO getting the triple costing Prison, the triple costing Prison with another charged before the courts, with a paper company of 5 persons employed with a $ 360 million contract, does it not alert you that they must have steal in there, they have said nothing about Hardwood other than Arthur pulling a sham the other night with boxes, how can Mr Thompson take the matter to the PAC when Hardwood has not filed any accounts todate?
Wishing in Vain // October 10, 2007 at 2:53 PM
mosquito or Mark Smart Williams certainly would not be Mottley as since Owing has smite her she not said a single word in his defence.
These contributions appear as shallow and as devoid of content as the ones you make on the call in shows.
If you were to remove party loyality from your program and open your mind and brain (well) you would quickly realise how rampant this corruption is throughout your much beloved (by you) party, every thing has a price tag attached for Owing and his gang of bastards everthing.
Frankology // October 10, 2007 at 3:00 PM
Welcome back Mosquito
What happen to the earlier Hillis-Carnes report about the highly fractured and decomposed limestone. What about the said Mabey & Johnson who was working on a flyover in the Phillipines that caved in. Did the engineer include in their report the holes within the St. Barnabas area
David // October 10, 2007 at 4:40 PM
It would be interesting to know what the report stated about how the piers should be sunk in the Warrens area which is riddled with holes like Swiss Cheese. Lets hope that they avoided the people who worked on the NHC Warrens Building!
David // October 10, 2007 at 9:18 PM
Another question for our friend mosquito who is obviously a PR person. Hill-Carnes was reported to have said that they did their testing in late 2006 by sinking over 100 test holes. Was the cost of this testing part of the initial costs of $60 million USD which subsequently moved to $70 US or is that cost part of the ‘over runs’??
Frankology // October 10, 2007 at 10:12 PM
This is the said flyover in the Philippines where its base cave-in and the inferior steel was used. I am wondering who did the geological assessment prior to the commencement of that highway. Do we want the same problem in Barbados?
Just like David, I am concern with the fractured limestone for the flyover bases in the area of Warrens and St. Barnabas.
By the way, we have not heard about the Insurance Company for any litigation payment.
Wishing in Vain // October 10, 2007 at 10:52 PM
Sorry this was meant for posting at BFP -:
YYILI, Take off the blinkers my friend and look around.
Yes I may add 2 and 2 and get 22 according to the word of YYILI, but there is one thing for sure I can also look around and see that the gov’t has awarded the prison contract to VECO which clearly is known to bribe politicians (and do not suggest for a moment that ours are not) over and above a local group of companies that pulled out all the stops to assist this same group of crooks in making accomodations ready for these prisoners in very short order, but this group was neglected because they refused to pay the 7 % commission to Owing, Nicholls and Bannister, these scamps never had any intention of giving out this work locally as this would put a limit to scope of their ability to steal.
Secondly when I add 2 and 2 and get 22 when I see that this road works project is heaped in dishonesty and corruption not to forget that they have yet again gone into bed with another fraud bearing in mind he has been charged and found guilty of fraud against his parent company, it is just to closely related that in two projects alone we have our gov’t doing underhand deals with dishonest bastards like VECO and DANOS if they are not a corrupt bunch then they are all saints.
Then when I add 2 and 2 and I get 22 it reminds me that we have this scandal of Hardwood Holdings $ 2 million of my taxpayers money lent to this company with the director owning the equipment and he is leasing it back to Hardwood at greatly increased cost, this is yet again an amazing feat, then he molest three women in the office and attempts to fire them for not doing what he wanted to do with them he is one nastything. Then we have Tony Hoyos sitting as chairman of hardwood and granting a loan to himself from the BEGFL (our taxpayers monies once again).
And you want to malign us for saying these people have got to be the most dishonest bastards to ever grace the halls of Cabinet or the House of Assembly?
Give me a break with dishonesty as this is I trust that there is a whole wing awaiting them at Harrisons, no we are not mixing them with the hardened criminals this bunch will teach too many new tricks.
Wishing in Vain // October 11, 2007 at 1:04 AM
Engineers want info on lights
Published on: 10/11/07.
THE BARBADOS ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS (BAPE)
is calling for full disclosure on the street lighting to be used at the end of the Operation Freeflow road-widening project being undertaken by 3S Barbados SRL.
In a Press release on Monday, BAPE also called for an analysis to determine what impact, if any, the choice of street lights would have on maintenance and operating costs.
BAPE said 3S SRL should also give details on windspeed and loads used in the design of lighting poles and their supports.
The association charged that the original 75 millimetre and 100 metre conduits for street lighting were removed and replaced with 50 millimetre conduits.
“The larger conduits in the original design would have permitted some redundancy in the cabling installed and therefore improved reliability of the street lights.
“A failure of one cable would not result in all lights failing at the same time. BAPE is very concerned that the smaller conduits may not permit this level of redundancy.”
Additionally, BAPE has urged officials of 3S to provide information on the street lighting design and mitigation measures in place to address this concern.
Anonymous // October 11, 2007 at 7:30 AM
Frankology
I am sure that you were delighted to read the announcement by vice President of Hillis Carnes David Buddemeyer yesterday.
‘THE RESULTS FROM THESE TESTS ALLOWED FOR THE DESIGN OF EASH FLYOVER TO MATCH THE CORRESPONDING SOIL CONDITIONS MAKING THEM ENTIRELY SAFE AND ENSURING THE LONGELEVITY OF EACH STRAUCTURE.’
Additionally he complimented 3S barbados for having the geo – technical research done as a precautionary measure.
In fact many other companies are now flowing the lead of 3S and are employing geo technical research prior to building projects.
One wonders why BAPE in its collective wisdom hasnt made this recomendation to all its members?
mosquito // October 11, 2007 at 7:31 AM
Sorry Frank
The above post was mine
mosquito // October 11, 2007 at 7:34 AM
I am sure that you were delighted to read the announcement by vice President of Hillis Carnes David Buddemeyer yesterday.
‘THE RESULTS FROM THESE TESTS ALLOWED FOR THE DESIGN OF EASH FLYOVER TO MATCH THE CORRESPONDING SOIL CONDITIONS MAKING THEM ENTIRELY SAFE AND ENSURING THE LONGELEVITY OF EACH STRAUCTURE.’
Additionally he complimented 3S barbados for having the geo – technical research done as a precautionary measure.
In fact many other companies are now flowing the lead of 3S and are employing geo technical research prior to building projects.
One wonders why BAPE in its collective wisdom hasnt made this recomendation to all its members?
mosquito // October 11, 2007 at 7:34 AM
Sorry BFP a slight technical hitch
mosquito // October 11, 2007 at 7:38 AM
‘Additionally, BAPE has urged officials of 3S to provide information on the street lighting design and mitigation measures in place to address this concern.’
Whats the bet thar this concern was raised by electrical engineer whose company is NOT employd on the project.The old green eye strikes again
By the way dont the new lights look good!
Frankology // October 11, 2007 at 11:11 AM
You have not answer the question pertaining to the first report in 2006 and the final report in March 2007. By the way, it seems that the letter writers Anonymous and Mosquito are either operating from the same office or maybe, the same person. Now answer my questions.
Frankology // October 11, 2007 at 11:29 AM
I must hand it to 3S for employing a geo-technical company to test the areas for the flyovers in March 2006 and 2007 after getting the contract in 2005 and commenced work in mid 2006. Do you think it was after the fact due from the pressures from BAPE, and knowledgeable people who have fundamental reason why these flyovers be put on hold?
Other companies always produce reports before the start of any work. Stop fooling the public, because it is mandatory for any major development to submit an Impact Study along with Geo-technical reports since no Insurance Company would associate themselves with the developer or builder. So this is not a first for 3S Barbados SRL or 3S Structural Steel Solutions LLC.
mosquito // October 11, 2007 at 1:34 PM
By the way, it seems that the letter writers Anonymous and Mosquito are either operating from the same office or maybe, the same person.
A brilliant deduction Frank seeing as I have told you that is is so. I forgot to type in my name OK?
mosquito // October 11, 2007 at 1:47 PM
Frank
Many companies DON”T have a geo technical research study done before building .
Anonymous // October 11, 2007 at 2:45 PM
I am quite frankly quite tired of this creature using the pen name ‘mosquito’ and ABC and others just turning this site into a whole load of boring crap.
They are bringing nothing new to the discussion except a lot of spin with stupid one liners,and turning off regulars like myself and others I’m sure.
How many new posts have you seen since this lot and frankology (who seems sincere enough) are hogging the show.
Why can’t they write one whole article,e-mail it to david and call it wally.
Instead it’s drip,drip,drip every day.
Cripes man enough of the bull sh*t -enough already.
Frankology // October 11, 2007 at 2:56 PM
The Highway. The prisons, The Government Building in Warrens warranted Geo-technical reports. Remember, customers and staff are people too.
Anonymous, ABC,and Mosquito; Barbadians are awaiting answers regarding the many reports that are missing for these ill-conceived flyovers. I would appreciate you furnishing facts to this blob instead of the excuses.
mosquito // October 11, 2007 at 3:06 PM
I am quite frankly quite tired of this creature using the pen name ‘mosquito’ and ABC and others just turning this site into a whole load of boring crap.
Mr ANON
The truth hits some people like that.
You probably think its boring crap because you are not accustomed to dealing with it.
mosquito // October 11, 2007 at 3:13 PM
‘ these ill-conceived flyovers. ‘
Comom Frank admit it they are only ill conceived because you /BAPE/ COW and uncle Tom Cobberly and all didnt conceive them. If they had a they would be the best thing since sliced bread.
mosquito // October 11, 2007 at 3:18 PM
‘I would appreciate you furnishing facts to this blob ‘
I think the word you are searching for is blog but hey maybe you got it right first time!
Frankology // October 11, 2007 at 3:32 PM
AT least you can reply to “blob” Now do us a favour and reply to the rest. You and the other apologists should be grateful for Sir Charles companies associate with this highway. Otherwise, the contractor will be like a duck without water. Now answer the questions.
YUM YUM I like it! // October 11, 2007 at 3:50 PM
The UK Serious Fraud Office has been looking into alleged corruption by Mabey and Johnson in:
1) Philipines
2) Papua New Guinea
3) Iraq (the Volkler report uncovered a payment from the firm to (now deposed dictator) Saddam Hussein’s personal bank account of 204,000 GBP)
Do a google search with Mabey and Johnson and corruption and up pops a load of stuff!!
Now we are glad we don’t have M&J builing the flyovers!
Maybe 3s are no better?
But since this allegedly corrupt company are taking Danos to court, how legitimate can this action be? Maybe he’s not such a bad guy for wanting to leave M&J. OR maybe he is a graduate of the M&J University of Skullduggery?
As the waters flow faster they get more murky!!!
ABC // October 11, 2007 at 3:54 PM
I’m not a PR man for the project – I think my contributions have been useful in helping explain how it’ll work. Most people don’t understand because it hasn’t been explained to them and that is obvious from their remarks.
I’m not an apologist – I agree that the management of the project has been poor from start till now.
But I will continue to contribute otherwise these blogs will continue to be one-sided and narrow-minded in the way issues are addressed. That’s the glory of a blog buddy.
David // October 11, 2007 at 4:43 PM
It is obvious to all by now that mosquito is doing a PR job on the project and seems to be loosing credibility daily, ABC and Frank have been looking for answers. On a blog expect this kind of thing. Some where amongst it all nuggets of valuable information can be had :-)
mosquito // October 11, 2007 at 6:06 PM
Thanks David.
How can pointing out the truth be considered ‘loosing ‘credibility.
mosquito // October 11, 2007 at 6:13 PM
frank
To be honest your blatant advertising for COWilliams is getting tedious. Obviously you have some connection with them .I might point out that the sub contractors are not doing the work out of the goodness of their hearts but for solid hard cash.
Of course if you get a bonus every time you mention the company name I can understand but frankly frank we all have got the message thank you.
Frankology // October 11, 2007 at 8:32 PM
I am defending the professional ethics of C.O. Williams and I am proud because he is a successful Barbadian with an unblemished record. While you on the other hand is praising a contractor in-training with questionable credentials and no formal experience. Let me state that I have no connections or financial dealings what-so-ever with C O. Williams. To answer David’s question, you never answer any submissions posted and that is why you have lost all creditability.
YUM YUM I like it! // October 11, 2007 at 9:45 PM
Sorry for cutting in on the Franky and Mossy show!
BUT
Franky said:
“I am defending the professional ethics of C.O. Williams and I am proud because he is a successful Barbadian with an unblemished record.”
If they have an unblemished record then why are you defending them.
Another thing:
I don’t see Sir Charles calling foul on the awarding of the contract to 3s! HE and his company are getting a fair share of the pudding, you can be sure of that!
Frankology // October 11, 2007 at 10:11 PM
…and he is in the forefront in the construction. I am not at all happy with the level of discussion. It seems that people are afraid to discuss this project or might be waiting for a calamity to say “I should have opened my mouth”
Anonymous // October 12, 2007 at 8:43 AM
There is a difference between slapping some tarmac on a few potholes and designing and managing to high standards a major project like this. That is why international experts who take the trouble to do research are involved. The work being done on the ABC under the supervision of 3S is of a higher standard than is usually done in Barbados. Why? because international standards are higher than here. There is more competition out in the wide world and standards have to be higher.
mosquito // October 12, 2007 at 8:46 AM
It seems that people are afraid to discuss this project or might be waiting for a calamity to say “I should have opened my mouth”
It seems like you are hoping for a calamity.
ABC // October 12, 2007 at 8:53 AM
Frank what are today’s questions?
ABC // October 12, 2007 at 9:13 AM
While I wait for Frank to log in I’ll answer a previous question posted by hom on Wednesday:
“I would like to know the true figure 25 years from now after repayment based on e BOLT arrangement. Would it be the same $360 million or another substantial percentage more.”
Assuming the total project costs $360 million exactly and using the current average prime lending rate of approximately 10% in calculateing annual lease payments over 25 years – the total annual lease payment would be B$39.66 million.
Adding up for 25 years it will cost B$991.5 million. Now in terms of financial math that is not the right way to think about cost but – you really should consider the present value (i.e. a value in today’s dollars) of $360 but nevertheless I’m sure this value will elicit some response.
Remember also that this is an estimate – I am not certain how the debt will be structured. There will be US$ components to the cost and those will probably be financed at a different rate given the differences between interest rates locally and internationally. I would guess that my calculation slightly overstates if anything, due to this factor.
Drunk and Womaniser Arthur // October 12, 2007 at 9:28 AM
Seeing that you and your party have such a love for BPF and BU I thought it worthwhile that I should send you a few messages orginating from these sites if for no other reason to show you that there is nothing as sickening as you attempt to smear the BFP and BU.
Your quote as below is really quite an amazing one when thousands of Barbadians are crying out for you and your partty to level with the ones you are stealing from we the taxpayers of this land, and explain to us your obviously tainted relationships with VECO, 3S , Danos, Hardwwod Holdings, The Baths, The Greenland Land fill, The NHC building in Warrens, the stories that people that know nothing about building are being awarded works contacts case in point Slimy Craig,the issue of the cheque from MARIANO BROWN while he was att CCB while DAVID SHOREY WAS PRESIDENT of this same bank why this cheque for $ 750,000.00 made ist way to your personal bank account.
The new lows for which Thompson is now being forced can be seen on the Barbados Free Press and the Barbados Underground on a daily basis. The manner in which DLP operatives uses these two blogs to malign this country in the international arena everyday while purporting to be Barbadians suggest a serious character flaw.
You see you bastards the people are no longer being fooled by your fireworks displays and song and dance, we the people are getting a much clearer picture day by day as to the true extent of your corruption and dishonesty and all the smokescreens in the world will not stop us from continuing to expose you and your lot for what you are nothing but a gang of crooks.
The ball is in the Prime Ministers court to deal with and expose the matters of corruption within his gov’t failing to do will lead us to believe that he to is implicated in this corruption and dishonesty, and if this is the case he too ought to be fired and disposed of as Prime Minister.
The Leader of the Opposition has done a wonderful job in bringing to light the methods of operation in cases like HARDWOOD HOLDINGS it is now up to the Prime Minister to follow thru and resolve these pressing issues the Leader of HM Loyal Opposition can go no further in his quest for honesty as this company has not yet lodged audited accounts that will allow the PAC to examine them , this is also so amazing that PM knows that Mr Thompson can go no further in his role as Chairman of the PAC and any further inquiry is at the mercy of he the PM but once again he attempts to fool honest Barbadians that the ball is in Mr Thompson’s court.
What a sad place we live in that our leaders will do major business with two companies with proven intent to corrupt and bribe politicians both of which are now or recently been charged before courts for fraud, bribery and corruption but yet the Prime Minister and compant set them up for two of the largest contract ever awarded for any project in Barbados and low had behold they triple the budgeted price to rape us the taxpayers by three times the original quote and they tell us not to worry just bend over and continue to take it, we owe the a debt of gratitude for skilfully shafting us while telling us enoy the hurt while we pocket the cash of our hurt.
PS This will be blogged both on BFP and BU just for your information the two real news sources on this island!!!!!!
mosquito // October 12, 2007 at 9:39 AM
ABC
These figures sound very high but bear in mind inflation and the rising cost of everything.
Had the government taken the advice of Tom Adams and built a two lane highway 30 years ago it would have got one for a fraction of the price that is costing now. At the time it was considered too expensive.
At some day in the future Barbados will have to consider the traffic solution. It won’t find a better one than building overpasses unless it bans private vehicles altogther.This would cause social unrest as we all know who would be the first ones forced off the road. The less weathly members of society.
Natural resources such as steel will continue to rise in price as they are a finite commodity so they are not going to suddenly get any cheaper.
People are hardly likely to make a mass return to public transport.The traffic problem will only get worse.
Whatever political party is in power will have to address this problem .
If you buy a house with a mortgage you have paid far more for that house than the asking price at the end of the day borrowing money for roads is the same.
Grammar sir! // October 12, 2007 at 9:44 AM
Should it not be either:
“Drunken womaniser Arthur.”
Or
“Drunk and womanising Arthur”
??
On the subject of who is winning the blog war (if you just take the D and B blogs), it has to be th BLP! The DLP blog is dull as dishwater and the writing is oh so poor. At least whoever pens the BLP blog has a bit of language skills and some fire in their belly!
Come on DLP get a better writer. The prose is long-winded and overly wordy and you are falling behind in your hits.
ABC // October 12, 2007 at 10:00 AM
Mosquito – I agree, this solution is the best that I am aware has been presented to Gov’t and its merits will be proven upon completion.
I am still hopeful that some economist will prove that the productivity benefits to the economy in terms of GDP growth and the related increases to income tax revenues will outstrip the annuall carrying cost of B$40 million. I’ve been told that Government did this and the payoff was a wash in something like 7 years but I never saw the study.
Maybe some enterprising student can tackle this issue – I put it to UWI.
It still should have been tendered appropriately and perhaps managed more efficiently but c’est la vie. I will cast my vote accordingly next year.
Frankology // October 12, 2007 at 10:56 AM
Let me answer some of the previous posts.
I have been checking another company managing a highway and they had US$1 million general liability insurance coverage for any eventualities.
Mosquito, are these International Standards?
If what we see on certain section of the highway you call international standard, I prefer to stick with our local international acclaimed company call C O Williams. If we were looking at international standards, we would have received advanced designs for the highway; we would have received designs and placements for all over and under passes; we would have seen the western side of the Bermuda triangle graded together and paved; we would not now be shifting 65 KVA cables one year after widening the area; we would not see marl leveled, rolled and then dig back up like in the area in front of Life of Barbados and which are causing endless traffic jams.
ABC: Should I put more questions on the board when you have not answered any of the more than twenty questions asked?
ABC // October 12, 2007 at 10:57 AM
I forget which ones I haven’t answered – I was looking back and couldn’t identify any – can you remind me?
Frankology // October 12, 2007 at 10:59 AM
I would like an economist to intervene in this so call BOLT scenario regarding repayments?
ABC // October 12, 2007 at 11:03 AM
is that a question or a request?
ABC // October 12, 2007 at 11:09 AM
and I’ve answered several of your questions:
- What contributed to the increase in cost?
- what is the cost at the end of 25 years under the BOLT?
- how will the flyovers help the flow of traffic?
I don’t want to fight with you I want to share the information that I’ve been exposed to.
Wishing in Vain // October 12, 2007 at 11:38 AM
Well congrats to all of you at BFP and BU you must be doing something right to have these clowns so confused and agitated.
I am enjoying your investigative work this story is yet another one of those such stories, please keep fighting the fight for us the taxpayers.
The new lows for which Thompson is now being forced can be seen on the Barbados Free Press and the Barbados Underground on a daily basis. The manner in which DLP operatives uses these two blogs to malign this country in the international arena everyday while purporting to be Barbadians suggest a serious character flaw.
David // October 12, 2007 at 11:42 AM
We are flabbergasted that BU is being accused of being partisan. The last time we checked ALL are welcome to contribute to this blog provided there is no overly outlandish commentary.
Frankology // October 12, 2007 at 12:01 PM
WIV: I hope I am not being reckoned as a clown?
Anonymous // October 12, 2007 at 12:04 PM
Frankology:
If you think that the genuine WIV posted that comment shine up your red nose and put on the big shoes.
LOL
Wishing in Vain // October 12, 2007 at 12:05 PM
No sadly David the BLP have done so much dishonest stuff and are now suffering the outcome of their actions.
They have much to answer to the public who have given them their trust.
You are both very open to comments from all it just so happens that this crowd have acted dishonestly and people are now seeing thru their scams and these same people are no longer prepared to tolerate this level of corruption and stealing and are now equiped with the arrival of BU and BFP to speak out and to speak out loud and it is hurting them because they have no way to muzzle the people as they once did with their scare tatics being held over VOB and the Nation newspaper.
Congrats keep the wheels rolling on forward forever.
Wishing in Vain // October 12, 2007 at 12:11 PM
Frankology no the clowns are the BLP crooks starting with head crook Owing all the way down the line.
mosquito // October 12, 2007 at 12:55 PM
‘ we would have seen the western side of the Bermuda triangle graded together and paved; ‘
Since you maintain the problem was all down to ‘wind shear ‘you wouldnt have had it done at all!
‘we would not now be shifting 65 KVA cables one year after widening the area;
Quite right but you dont have international standards in the endless passing the buck in government departments.The 65KVA cable was as you well know put in the wrong place in the first place. Its was up to MPT to make sure that it was correctly placed in the first instance.
The dept of the enviroment would not allow Light and Power to put it in the correct position in the land aquired for road widening.
There fore the fault lies not with the contractors but with the bad communications and decisions in government departments. These have caused wrangling and delays and astonishingly MPT have cooly expected the contractors to sort out their mess.
That is certainly not International standards.
Its pass the buck and the blame standards more suited to a banna republic than first world Barbados.
Frankology // October 12, 2007 at 1:59 PM
The road could have remained with only the finishing off of the road widening. The jersey barriers would have solved the problem.
If we had knowledgeable C O Williams managing the project, we would not be in that 65 KVA cable predicament. Again it call for experience.
ABC // October 12, 2007 at 2:29 PM
Frank it wasn’t 3S it was MPT and whether or not 3S or COW was the main contractor would not have changed that impact.
Remember that MPT is the main Project Manager of this project. George Siddall is only 3S’ project manager not the overall project manager – that guy is a Mr. Scantlebury of MPT.
mosquito // October 12, 2007 at 2:43 PM
If we had knowledgeable C O Williams managing the project, we would not be in that 65 KVA cable predicament.
mosquito // October 12, 2007 at 2:55 PM
If we had knowledgeable C O Williams ……….
Frankology my dear we could’nt give a damn.
mosquito // October 12, 2007 at 3:05 PM
ABC
You are right . It is the bussiness of MPT to ensure the correct installation of public utilities.
This blog has started to disintegrate into boring syncophantic repetition.
mosquito // October 12, 2007 at 3:09 PM
‘The Jersey barriers would have solved the problem.’
Of what the imaginary ‘wind shear’?
Frankie dont put away the red nose and big shoes just yet.
Frankology // October 12, 2007 at 3:59 PM
Who was the contract awarded to. Who will be receiving the $360 million of taxpayers money? When you find the answer tell the public. Have you pass the area by the Bermuda Triangle? Are you happy of what you are seeing? Mr Mascoll stated that the new scope of work will be $240 million, will the other $120 million be the work by the Bermuda Triangle since it was a last minute decision?
mosquito // October 12, 2007 at 4:33 PM
The contract was awarded to the company who came up with the best solution to the conjestion on the ABC highway.
This was to improve the capacity of the ABC highway enabling the free flow of traffic and reduce travel time in the long term.
It includes the installation of a centralised traffic signal system to to imporve the mobility of traffic island wide. It also includes a traffic management plan of the Bridgetown and surrounding areas to improve mobility and intergrate traffic growth to the upgraded ABC highway.
Additional work requested by the MPT is naturally classed as ‘new scope of work’.
Therefore these questions should be directed to
Mr Scantlebury or Mr Thornhill .They will know what additional scope of work their department the MPT has requested the contractor to carry out.
Wishing in Vain // October 12, 2007 at 5:26 PM
Jerome Hinds
October 12th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Wow !
The latest results of the soon – to – be released public opinion POLL (Check out the Nation News soon) shows the following :
** % supporting BLP – 41 % !
** % supporting DLP – 37 % !
** % swing against the BLP government – 6 % !
** % of voting population willing to change the BLP government – 47 % ( up from 42 % in the poll before ) !
Remember in Jamaica……Bruce Golding was trailing Portia’s party before the elections !
On E – Day the tale of the tape showed differently !
The link below gives an UNSCIENTIFIC indication of what is to come !
http://www.luckypolls.com/5519/can-david-thompson-lead-the-dlp-to-victory-in-the-upcoming-general-elections
Owen Arthur can give himself another round of drinks !
I was talking to someone the other night and they said to me that the poll results were excellent but they withheld the numbers if they are actually what you say they are this is giant leap forward for Mr Thonpson and the DLP the citzens of this island are waking up and waking up fast to extent of the gross corruption that is rampant all thru this island.
I am not the least bit surprised about these amazing results and I can bet you that the final election results will show an even greater favour for the DLP, people are disgusted and fed up with this arrogrant self serving manner of this pack and to add insult to injury the corruption that they are carrying out is of major levels.
No wonder the extent of the manner and style of the BLP on their blog the tone is angry one really they have no one to blame but themselves for they are the ones that have created this shambles that we find ourselves in at this time with projects amounting to being over $ 800 million over budget and counting if even half of this has been paid in BARBADOS KICKBACK AGREEMENTS then Owing and company are sitting on some massively large bank accounts while the rest of suck the hind tit.
To Mr Thompson and his party this is no time to rest it is time to sweep clean every nook and cranny every crevice remove all of them from our misery.
Wishing in Vain // October 12, 2007 at 5:29 PM
I was talking to someone the other night and they said to me that the poll results were excellent but they withheld the numbers if they are actually what you say they are this is giant leap forward for Mr Thonpson and the DLP the citzens of this island are waking up and waking up fast to extent of the gross corruption that is rampant all thru this island.
I am not the least bit surprised about these amazing results and I can bet you that the final election results will show an even greater favour for the DLP, people are disgusted and fed up with this arrogrant self serving manner of this pack and to add insult to injury the corruption that they are carrying out is of major levels.
No wonder the extent of the manner and style of the BLP on their blog the tone is angry one really they have no one to blame but themselves for they are the ones that have created this shambles that we find ourselves in at this time with projects amounting to being over $ 800 million over budget and counting if even half of this has been paid in BARBADOS KICKBACK AGREEMENTS then Owing and company are sitting on some massively large bank accounts while the rest of suck the hind tit.
To Mr Thompson and his party this is no time to rest it is time to sweep clean every nook and cranny every crevice remove all of them from our misery
Wishing in Vain // October 12, 2007 at 5:30 PM
Jerome Hinds
October 12th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Wow !
The latest results of the soon – to – be released public opinion POLL (Check out the Nation News soon) shows the following :
** % supporting BLP – 41 % !
** % supporting DLP – 37 % !
** % swing against the BLP government – 6 % !
** % of voting population willing to change the BLP government – 47 % ( up from 42 % in the poll before ) !
Remember in Jamaica……Bruce Golding was trailing Portia’s party before the elections !
On E – Day the tale of the tape showed differently !
The link below gives an UNSCIENTIFIC indication of what is to come !
http://www.luckypolls.com/5519/can-david-thompson-lead-the-dlp-to-victory-in-the-upcoming-general-elections
Owen Arthur can give himself another round of drinks !
Wishing in Vain // October 12, 2007 at 5:32 PM
Please see http://www.luckypolls.com/5519/can-david-thompson-lead-the-dlp-to-victory-in-the-upcoming-general-elections
Wishing in Vain // October 12, 2007 at 5:32 PM
Please see http://www.luckypolls.com
Waterboy // October 12, 2007 at 6:15 PM
mosquito // Oct 12th 2007 at 4:33 pm
The contract was awarded to the company who came up with the best solution to the conjestion on the ABC highway.
————————————————————
Mosquito, was there a Request for Proposals advertised in the press?
If so, what date and newspaper(s)?
If there was no RFP then how were these solutions solicited?
YUM YUM I like it! // October 12, 2007 at 8:24 PM
Wishing in Vain
These poll stats are shocking
I thought by now that the DLP would be miles ahead.
I guess their general indifference is affecting their popularity!
Shame!
YUM YUM I like it! // October 12, 2007 at 9:03 PM
WIV
“Remember in Jamaica……Bruce Golding was trailing Portia’s party before the elections !”
Bruce Golding and the JLP worked tirelessly on the isues affecting Jamaicans in the long run up to their election. They chipped away relentlessly at the PNP on this issue, that issue and the next…
Can we really say the same about this lack lustre lot who seem so lazy, unmotivated and politically slow! Now is the time when elections are won or lost because as soon as the silly season starts its all over bar the shouting!!!
Wishing in Vain // October 12, 2007 at 10:42 PM
For some the sky is never far enough, there is also the notion for those that lack the knowledege that there is also the possibility of pushing to hard too fast and peaking before the election date and the effort to recapture those votes is damaging .
The DLP have made massive inroads into the structure of the blp machine despite whatever you may want to suggest and with a 6 % SWING AWAY FROM YOUR RULING PARTY that your party is a fair degree of turmoil and disruption and disorder.
Hence their wild outburst about the blogs and their ill tempered manners on the call in shows.
I want to commend the leadership of the DLP for a sterling effort and may they continue to make inroads into this corruption beast called the blp.
Frankology // October 12, 2007 at 11:01 PM
“The contract was awarded to the company who came up with the best solution to the congestion on the ABC highway”.
Who are the other tenders for the highway? I only know about one – 3S Structural Steel Solution LLC
“It includes the installation of a centralised traffic signal system to improve the mobility of traffic island wide”
Whom are you trying to impress, the only traffic problem is the urban area, especially the veins leading to the city emanating from the entire stretch of ABC highway. I spoke of synchronizing the urban traffic light system. Government is in possession of this piece of equipment and some of the cameras are installed.already.
“Additional work requested by the MPT is naturally classed as ‘new scope of work’.”
How all of a sudden, the blame of a new scope of work is the fault of MPT. If the contract has been awarded to a company. That company will be responsible for the work and their project manager will supersede the MPT’s project manager.
Let me inform the public of the sequence of events.
1 The minister informed Parliament in March 2005 that 3S Structural Steel Solutions LLC won the $120 million bid from eight (8) unknown firms to build the flyovers along with road widening.
2 September 2005, George Siddall during the Barbados Labour Party conference, said that the contract consist of the flyovers and widening of the highway from Warrens to Garfield Sobers roundabout.
3 July 2006 – Minister Clarke announced during the launch of Operation Free Flow that the cost will now be $140 million..
4 August 2007 – George Siddal, project Manager for 3S Barbados SRL shocked Barbadians with the tripling of the highway cost to $360 million. It was known that the entire stretch from Warrens to Garfield Sobers would be widening to dual carriageways, it was known that flyovers would be built. The question that needs answering was what would have caused the cost to triple?
5 September 2007, during Brass Tacks Sunday, Minister Mascoll spoke of a new scope of work and the cost might only double.
Mr. Mosquito, based on these facts, the responsibility cannot be MPT or Mr. Scantlebury. No new scope of work was commissioned since we the public were informed from day one of Government’s intention of widening the highway as indicated above; and the building of flyovers. The only additions was the Bermuda Triangle and the installation of Jersey Barriers. An average of 400 jersey barriers will cost around $800,000.00. If the first quotation was $120 million for an entire highway with flyovers what so significant that would have caused the tripling of cost. Forget the language of “a new scope of work” since it is not the factor. Who will be the benefactor(s) of this massive increase? The public is waiting for answers, not any long talk.
mosquito // October 13, 2007 at 9:03 AM
Who are the other tenders for the highway? I only know about one – 3S Structural Steel Solution LLC
This was the company that proposed the best solution.
‘Whom are you trying to impress, the only traffic problem is the urban area, especially the veins leading to the city emanating from the entire stretch of ABC highway. I spoke of synchronizing the urban traffic light system. Government is in possession of this piece of equipment and some of the cameras are installed.already.’
If your traffic light system is here why is it not up and running and working?
Maybe you should get John Wittingham the traffic light king to take a look at it.
‘How all of a sudden, the blame of a new scope of work is the fault of MPT.’
Beacuse they have requested additional work from the contractors.They have also delayed the project by their mismangement of issues such as the 65 KVA .
‘4 August 2007 – George Siddal, project Manager for 3S Barbados SRL shocked Barbadians with the tripling of the highway cost to $360 million. ‘
There was actually no mention of costs at all all was said was a ’substantial increase in the scope of works’ As was explained by Minister Mascoll.
‘Forget the language of “a new scope of work” since it is not the factor. ‘
Of course it is a factor . Builders only build what they are asked to build.The original scope of works has increased.
mosquito // October 13, 2007 at 9:35 AM
Saw this on BFP
THE Ministry of Public Works and Transport and 3S (Barbados) SRL, the major contractor for the Barbados Road Network Infrastructure Project, met Thursday with representatives of the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers (BAPE) following concerns raised publicly by that body in relation to the project.
At the meeting, chaired by the Ministrys Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Frank Thornhill, the President of BAPE, Mr. Roger Blackman, questioned the level of openness regarding the project and posed several queries to the Ministry and the main contractor, which were all dealt with thoroughly.
The Ministry and 3S stressed that the work on the ABC Highway Project has been undertaken by leading design firms with extremely well-qualified staff in Barbados and North America.
The detailed road design, including the associated drainage work, has been carried out by Stantec Consulting, a well-established and respected professional engineering firm in Barbados, in conjunction with its offices in the United States and Canada where it is one of the largest and most respected engineering firms. As part of its work, Stantec had significant input on the environmental impact study, considering the effects of the drainage system.
Richard Gill and Associates, another local firm, undertook the environmental impact assessment and produced the overall study report for the Chief Town Planner. This EIA also included the sound study that analysed the noise impact of the various design alternatives, the Ministry and 3S said.
Mr. Thornhill said that all construction drawings will be made public at the upcoming Town Hall meetings.
The meeting then dealt with each technical concern raised by BAPE in the media. These related to hydroplaning, the splitter islands at the Belle Intersection, lighting fixtures, the jersey barriers and temporary lighting during construction.
These features, which are all being carried out in accordance with international engineering codes, were thoroughly explained by the representatives of the Ministry and 3S in relation to the Barbados Road Network Infrastructure Project.
The meeting ended amicably with BAPE now understanding the depth of study carried out by the Ministry and 3S, in conjunction with the design team.
Wishing in Vain // October 13, 2007 at 10:24 AM
To inkwell sadly you are totally incapable of educating me by trying to spin your utter load of rubbish, Hoyos should resign he has no right sitiing on the board of the lender and the borrower.
This is nothing more that a feeble attempt to close the door on a matter that you and your party has allowed to nurture and grow to the point it is now a malignant tumor in need of removal.
The whole issue of Hardwood Holdings is steeped in corruption, dishonesty, stealing and payback to party loyals.
The Gov’t has given Mascoll, Hoyos et al an open cheque to satisfy their political objective sadly they have done so in a most vile and contemptuous manner in which they have set about their rape of our treasury.
It is absolutely disgusting that as Hoyos can sit on both the Board of the LENDING agency and also to sit on the board as Chairman of the RECEIVER of this donation from the EGFL to Hardwood Holdings.
He has not been put there by for any creditable reason the only real reason is to filter back these monies to people like Mascoll and himself and company, This company was setup for a purpose thankfully the purpose has been seen thru and exposed by the leader of the opposition and now people of all walks of life are also questioning the motives and the actions behind EGFL and Hardwood Holdings when the Managing Director can be the owner of the equipment that EGFL lends or (donates is more correct) to Hardwood Holdings the funds to buy this same equipment with but yet he ends up leasing back the company the same equipment that the money has been lend to.
You must really think people are out of their minds when you roll out your crap.
In summary Hoyos, Mascoll, MarianoBrowne (let us not forget that he too has a case before the courts pending for dishonesty while at CCB I assume that he is not before the courts because he was such an honest person) they should all step aside and let this issue be fully addressed, they believe that they are all so smart that what they do is above the comprehension of the average man in the street however when it becomes so blatant then it is clear for even a blind man to see stealing, dishonesty, corruption and lying very clearly.
No amount of smoke screens will quell the call to account, Owing states that Mr Thompson needs to involve the PAC knowing full well that he the PM is the only one with the power to bring them to order because the Leader of the Opposition has nothing to operate on as the accounts are not yet before the house, but Owing is once again stalling and hoping that he will see it die, not this time Owing you created a monster you must address it and deal with it.
I would also like to ask Owing if this was the deal cut by Mascoll in his switch to your party and if so the $ 2 million that you intented to pay him may not now be such a good investment as he has caused more harm than good but like most of your other ministers like Mottley et al they are merely disposable ministers, wipe your feet on them as you pass thru the doors of your office them throw them into the garbage.
In summary Hoyos has absolutely no right sitting on both boards as the lender and the borrower, no rights at all it steeps in dishonesty and provides an avenue for gross corruption.
Furthermore for what reason would a business man like Hoyos want to be involved in these gov’t entities unless he sees that there is room for manipulation.
Wishing in Vain // October 13, 2007 at 10:24 AM
sorry was meant for posting at bfp
Waterboy // October 13, 2007 at 11:10 AM
mosquito // Oct 13th 2007 at 9:03 am
Who are the other tenders for the highway? I only know about one – 3S Structural Steel Solution LLC
This was the company that proposed the best solution.
————————————————————
Mosquito,
What tender? Where and what date was it advertised in the press or in any nedia, or anywhere?
I have been asking you this over and over and to date you have never responded. Just the same drivel over and over “This was the company that proposed the best solution. ”
This is the definition of a tender from Wikipedia:
“Tenders are special procedures to generate competing offers from different bidders looking to obtain an award of business activity in works, supply, or service contracts. They are usually preceded by a Prequalification Questionnaire (PQQ) and an Invitation to Tender (ITT).
Now answer the following:
Was there an invitation for PQQ?
Was there a RFP?
Was there an ITT?
If there were any of the above where were they advertised? Date?
mosquito // October 13, 2007 at 11:39 AM
David
Please inform your friends at the BFP that the person posting under the name Mosquito in the Wittingham thread is not this poster, As they well must know. BFP are blocking my posts but they are allowing someone else to post derogatory rubbish under that name . This is extremely underhand behaviour.
Wishing in Vain // October 13, 2007 at 11:48 AM
It really would not matter too much one way or the other anyway as your post are so boring anyway.
Kepp singing the song that owing pays you to sing but one day coming soon the people will wake up actually they are awaking as we type.
mosquito // October 13, 2007 at 11:51 AM
The behaviour of the so called BFP has now stooped to greater depths.
It has blocked my posts which are the same as here reasoned and polite it has suggested that my IP is suspect and now it is posting falsely under the name Mosquito.
Clearly this is an attempt to silence any alternative veiws .
Wishing in Vain // October 13, 2007 at 11:52 AM
nothing lost in that program
mosquito // October 13, 2007 at 11:53 AM
If my posts are so boring perhaps you will explain why BFP are going to the trouble to discredit them?
mosquito // October 13, 2007 at 11:59 AM
I am disgusted with BFP that has now chosen to post false posts under the name mosquito.
Obviously someone is disturbed and doesnt like what I say. Could it be because it is the truth and we cant have that at any cost?
David // October 13, 2007 at 12:00 PM
mosquito~we have no editorial control over at BFP. You should send them an email to request an explanation. It might not be someone at BFP using your handle at all. Our issue with you is you can be a little inept in your comments. As you know we have not blocked anyone and although we don’t agree with your wishy washy responses sometimes we appreciate your comments none the less. If you are in the position of having info and we think you are you can do a public service and enlighten Barbadians. We do have thousands of visitors monthly. At some point we will share our visits/views but now we think it will just serve as a distraction. We feel the fact that the BLP column has singled us out along with BFP is evidence enough that the word is on the streets of Barbados that independent news and ideas can be accessed via this and other social media.
A Friend // October 13, 2007 at 12:24 PM
Copied from Barbados Free Press…
BFP: Mosquito is over on BU brassing you up and complaining to “David” to do something about you! You should take a peek. I sincerely hope he doesn’t come back on here (didn’t he admit he was originally “Bashy”?) and take over this blog like he is doing on BU. He has chased other bloggers from there with his constant boring nonsense.
*************************
BFP Comments
Mosquito is following a pattern that we have seen and are blocking here at BFP. For a time the government agents used all manner of foul words to disrupt the conversation here. When we effectively blocked that by going to a “always moderate” model, they changed their tactics. Mosquito is part of the new tactic which is to divert discussion wherever possible onto a new topic and away from issues contained in the articles.
That and continual complaints etc., so the whole mood of the blog goes from addressing issues of importance to citizens, and becomes focused upon the details of personality, how the blog is run, etc etc etc.
“Mosquito” is just the latest name. When we catch on, they come back with another name and another tactic.
And yes, the foul language and threats of violence keep coming. We only let a few through the filters once in a while to let everyone know that it is still happening.
WE BELIEVE that the blogs are having a far greater impact upon the timing of the election and politics than one would think at first glance. The government is desperate to eliminate the blogs because they are changing the thinking, mood and language of Bajan politics.
mosquito // October 13, 2007 at 12:26 PM
Thank you David.
I see someone else is complaining about me on BFP . It is obviously a game that all play where sincerity and intergrity mean nothing.
As a frequent poster I may well be boring wishy washy and inept but I Isay the truth and do not indulge in rumshack blusterings or character assassination.
So whichever one of you are anonymous I am afraid you have only shown yourself as someone media that cannot stand a veiw in opposition to your own and must be silence others by dirty tricks.
mosquito // October 13, 2007 at 12:34 PM
What a set up!
How foolish to think that this was indeed to free press.
BFP knows very well that I have at no time whatsoever written any derogatory posts. To suggest so is just plain lies.
I openly changed the name from Bashy because when I posted under that name it was blocked.
But there you are something (the Truth) must be upsetting someone who is going to the trouble to attack me in this manner.
David // October 13, 2007 at 12:37 PM
Ok mosquito we hear you so stop the bashing of a sister blog and get substantive.
Marcus - BFP // October 13, 2007 at 12:38 PM
Hi David
Another tactic that the govt agents have been using is to post something under a name, then come back with a different IP and claim that the previous post is “not really me”.
All of this is about diverting the discussion and is, admittedly, very effective in causing work for the moderators and taking the focus off the important issues.
But it is all good, David.
It means that the blogs are far more effective than we know.
Case in Point:
There was a meeting last week of a number of very important persons who, for obvious reasons, shall remain nameless. The meeting was supposed to be about finance and matters of land permissions, etc.
After the first hour, someone had to stop the discussion and point out that the last hour had been nothing but a discussion about the various Barbados blogs and their impact upon politics. These folks were business types, not political people.
And David, so you know that this comment is actually from Marcus (via proxy) – Robert will be publishing his “much awaited” article on areobatic flying later this evening and how not to get into trouble flying in the mountains. (So he says!)
Keep up the good fight!
Marcus
mosquito // October 13, 2007 at 12:43 PM
No Marcus
What it showa and you have proved to me that the bogs are simple a political tool from which to cause embarassment to the government.
You only choose to post what shows tham up in a bad light you are impervious to the truth.
If you had blocked my posts as Mosquito why are you now posting untrue posts under that name?
It is indictative of dirty tricks.
Everyone here knows that I have never deviated from my pro flyover stance .So posting the opposite under that name is stupidity. But hey you carry on with your silly games.
Waterboy // October 13, 2007 at 2:19 PM
mosquito // Oct 13th 2007 at 9:03 am
Who are the other tenders for the highway? I only know about one – 3S Structural Steel Solution LLC
This was the company that proposed the best solution.
————————————————————
Mosquito,
What tender? Where and what date was it advertised in the press or in any nedia, or anywhere?
I have been asking you this over and over and to date you have never responded. Just the same drivel over and over “This was the company that proposed the best solution. ”
This is the definition of a tender from Wikipedia:
“Tenders are special procedures to generate competing offers from different bidders looking to obtain an award of business activity in works, supply, or service contracts. They are usually preceded by a Prequalification Questionnaire (PQQ) and an Invitation to Tender (ITT).
Now answer the following:
Was there an invitation for PQQ?
Was there a RFP?
Was there an ITT?
If there were any of the above where were they advertised? Date?
Jerome Hinds // October 13, 2007 at 3:42 PM
Mosquito…….if you do not stop engaging in your drivel yuh gine end geeing yuhself…….DENGUE !
Too bad doh………the BLP crooks gone too far to be saved !
Check out the growing momentum in tomorrow’s big news story !
Join Owen in a drink on that !
David // October 13, 2007 at 4:23 PM
We have also asked on a previous occasion for the Letter of Justification to be published. It does not matter if only one company tendered for the ‘flyover’ project a Letter of Justification would have been done. Certainly cabinet would not have approved the BDS120 million(original cost) on Gline Clarke’s say so.
Frankology // October 13, 2007 at 11:20 PM
Mosquito, Bashy or any other alias. I am sorry for someone for you. The only thing that we will now have to deal with are two Mosquitoes and two Bashies. You will have to deal with BFP regarding someone trying to impersonate you on that site.
Frankology // October 13, 2007 at 11:21 PM
Ignore “for someone” in my post
Wishing in Vain // October 14, 2007 at 12:47 AM
I just love this post.
Yardbroom October 13th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
Quite a lot has been said – and rightly so – about the allegations of corruption that follow this Administration, the response has often been, those allegations cannot be proved, as their is no evidence. The important courts of perception and public opinion have a different view, but I will allow that to rest for a moment.
The charge can be made, that this Administration is “incompetent” and through incompetence, has mismanaged the affairs of our country. This charge is difficult to refute, one can excuse a few mistakes of any Administration, but when mistakes of the magnitude we have experienced, keep recurring. Any reasonable person would deduce, that incompetence has been let loose.
The constant repetition of mistakes, signifies that those in charge, either have not got the human resources, or if they have, are unable to delegate those with the necessary abilities to specific tasks. This is a fundamental flaw in the Administration, because it clearly demonstrates that five, ten, or fifteen more years would not make a difference, neither would extra millions of dollars being availabe, whether it is acquired by taxation or borrowed.
In a situation like this the best which can be done for this Administration is to relieve them of their responsibility. Power once gained is difficult to voluntarily relinquish, and therefore they would not see the situation as others do.
The sum total is that incompetent people are in charge of our affairs, when this situation arises the best, and perhaps the kindest act is to relieve them.
There are others who will have the view, that the allegations of corruption are so serious, they should be persued with vigour. That I have not laboured this, does not suggest a contrary view on my part.
My focus here has been “incompetence,” incompetence through choice of personnel, appointment of individuals to do specific tasks, inability to take important decisions and respond to questions from citizens in a reasonable time frame. Inability to provide funds eg the hospital, one cannot say funds were not available, as they have been squandered on other less important areas.
When an Administration has proved to be so – incompetent – there is nothing more left to be said, it is akin to an incompetent policeman directing traffic at a busy intersection. Even if one accident has been avoided, it is only a matter of time before another occurs, he should be removed forthwith.
Frankology // October 14, 2007 at 1:20 AM
Re: 3S, MPT and BAPE meeting
“THE Ministry of Public Works and Transport and 3S (Barbados) SRL, the major contractor for the Barbados Road Network Infrastructure Project, met Thursday with representatives of the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers (BAPE) following concerns raised publicly by that body in relation to the project.”
I agree 100% with Bush Tea. Can you not see that this is PR stunt? Why are all the statements and quotes emanating from either 3S Barbados or MPT. The point is not if two Barbadian firms are working with the highway or not, it is the underhand way the contract was awarded. Since this was a tri-partite meeting, should we not have seen statements from BAPE? We see Mr. Roger Blackman questioned 3S and MPT, but the release failed to print the questions or give any answers. What other PR gimmick is going to be placed in the public domain? Maybe the lost files will show that names of the other tenders that was never publicized.
mosquito // October 14, 2007 at 7:59 AM
Frankolgy
Thank you for your comiserations. I think its a pretty sad and deceitful way of silencing any oppsition. Like I said dirty tricks.
As I am blocked from BFP anything from Mosquito there is probably invented by the blog moderaters to help pass the time.
mosquito // October 14, 2007 at 7:59 AM
Frankology
‘Since this was a tri-partite meeting, should we not have seen statements from BAPE? ‘
Mabe they had nothing to say. Anything missed out would surely have been sent hot footed to these blogs?
mosquito // October 14, 2007 at 8:10 AM
Re your remarks on the cable.
How does Stantec working for 3s make them reponsible for public utilities?
The public utilities are the responsibily of MPT but they shirked this responsibility and tried to blame it on Light and Power who in turn had been prevented from the correct placing of the cable by the Dept of enviroment.
It all comes down to money each department blamed the other and none wanted to pay the costs of moving it.
It stands to reason that it is not a good idea to have a cable running under a major road.
At any time in the future the cable has a fault it would mean digging up the road resulting in a major disturbance to traffic.
Waterboy // October 14, 2007 at 8:59 AM
Mosquito, still waiting for your response. Perhaps your lack of any response means that the answer is:
Was there an invitation for PQQ? NO
Was there a RFP? NO
Was there an ITT? NO
So tell us exactly how was this contract awarded?
mosquito // Oct 13th 2007 at 9:03 am
Who are the other tenders for the highway? I only know about one – 3S Structural Steel Solution LLC
This was the company that proposed the best solution.
————————————————————
Mosquito,
What tender? Where and what date was it advertised in the press or in any nedia, or anywhere?
I have been asking you this over and over and to date you have never responded. Just the same drivel over and over “This was the company that proposed the best solution. ”
This is the definition of a tender from Wikipedia:
“Tenders are special procedures to generate competing offers from different bidders looking to obtain an award of business activity in works, supply, or service contracts. They are usually preceded by a Prequalification Questionnaire (PQQ) and an Invitation to Tender (ITT).
Now answer the following:
Was there an invitation for PQQ?
Was there a RFP?
Was there an ITT?
If there were any of the above where were they advertised? Date?
sensible man // October 14, 2007 at 9:40 AM
the flyovers r the best thing ever to happen to this island in a long time if they do get built
balance // October 14, 2007 at 10:42 AM
Stantec is in no way responsible for utilities, however Stantec would have been the Engineers and Project Managers for BL&P in the laying of the 69 KV line. With this in mind and now being Engineering Consultants for 3s would have been well aware of the location of this line prior to any works begining on the H’way expansion.
One of the conditions attached to the placement of this Line by MTP was that the line be placed at the back of the aquistion line. This aquisition line would have been set from the initial ABC Design and would have made allowance for any widening. This was not done in some sections so to say that MPT ask for the removal of the line is a Tad unfair as the line was not suppose to be there in the first place.
If BAPE says its their duty to protect the publics interest then they should probably have a hearing with Stantec to determine why this happened with them as project managers for the 69kv line and now consultants for the Widening.
David // October 14, 2007 at 1:46 PM
We should make public that we sent an official communication to Stantec requesting them to comment on the release by BAPE last week. We have not had a response from them yet but we are hopeful.
Frankology // October 15, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Thanks “Balance”
I have been repeating and repeating these said statements to these “I don’t care what you say, but I am still going to do it people”. The cables should have been on the front burner from the start of the project.
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