PM Terrance Drew criticizes security contract for JNF hospital awarded by former HM Wendy Phipps

St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew has recently pointed out that the security contract at the JNF (Joseph N France) General Hospital needed to be appropriately awarded to the Night Watch Security under the Administration of Former Health Minister Wendy Phipps.

St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew has recently pointed out that the security contract at the JNF (Joseph N France) General Hospital needed to be appropriately awarded to the Night Watch Security under the Administration of Former Health Minister Wendy Phipps.

As per the update, this came during PM Drew appeared in an interview on January 28, 2023, held by WINN FM’s Devonne Cornelious, where he stated that the security contract was not handed over under the proper procedures and code of conduct. After that, Former State Health Minister Wendy Phipps flatly and firmly denied the claims of PM, Terrance Drew.

Advertisement

In his remarks, Prime Minister Terrance Drew has also cited that the awarded contract to the Night Watch Security since 2018 – will be terminated at the end of March, some 18 months before the official end of the contract.

“The contract was improperly awarded without proper procurement procedures. He further suggested that the contract was handed to the firm without the opportunity for other firms to have access to submit bids for the said contract,” said Drew.

In her words, Former Minister of Health Wendy Phipps has indicated that in awarding the security contract to Night Watch Security, the contract was awarded in full transparency and adherence to all procurement standards and policies as stipulated by the Ministry of Finance.

Furthermore, the former Minister, Phipps, added that in this procurement matter – as in all other procurement matters of the Ministry of Health during her tenure. In addition, the Ministry of Finance would have consistently guided the Ministry of Health until the contract was awarded to the successful bidder, said reports.

As per the reports, the procurement and the contract awarded to the Night Watch Security in 2018 were pursued with the following in mind starting with,

– The need for armed security at JNF General Hospital was based on the murder of a young man in the vicinity of the hospital’s laboratory on June 20, 2017. There were several other incidents of violence at the JNF General Hospital, including a prior shooting incident in September 2014.

Advertisement

– The Police High Command had indicated to the Cabinet that the Police Force could not provide the required security at the health facility due to a workforce shortage. (The Police High Command would have also given Cabinet input on the Terms of Reference (TORs) for procuring the security services.)

– In addition to Night Watch Security, several other security firms were contacted to bid. Firms had to be able to supply armed security. Most were unable to meet this requirement.

– Diamond Security was also invited to tender on the supply of security services at the JNF General Hospital.

The reports have stated that the procurement information indicates a satisfactory procurement process and the proper awarding of the contract between the Ministry of Health and Night Watch Security.

During his statement, PM Drew’s suggested that there was some level of impropriety about the awarding of the contract is quite false and misleading. 

Ultimately, “The termination is seen as nothing other than the Drew administration’s continued, sustained and deliberate programme of VICTIMIZATION where scores of persons have been targeted due to nothing less than their perceived political allegiance and support of opposition parties”, said reports.

 

Tariq Saeed

Read More

Jennifer Aniston talks about her relationship with ex Brad Pitt!

Jennifer Aniston has made news quite many times for her relationships and other rumors related to her marriage and pregnancy. But recently, Aniston addressed...

Taliban announces deal with UAE to manage three airports in Afghanistan

The Taliban on Tuesday, 24 May, declared a deal enabling an Emirati company to manage its three airports in Afghanistan after the decline of the nation’s US-backed government. However, the UAE has not acknowledged the deal yet.

UAE Announces Two-Month Grace Period for Residence Visa Violators to Waive Fines

The initiative allows individuals who have overstayed their visas to avoid financial penalties and legal consequences, reflecting the UAE's commitment to compassion and tolerance. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced the decision on Thursday

Recent

India and Germany shares bilateral ties based on democratic values, says PM Modi

India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the strong relationship between India and Germany during the joint press conference held with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. He stated that both nations share deep diplomatic ties based on democratic values and mutual understanding.

Leaders of UAE, India, Israel, US holds first virtual summit ‘I2U2’

The President of the United Arab Emirates met the leaders of Israel, India and the United States in a virtual summit held on Thursday, July 14.

Middle East: Carriers offer free rescheduling for Covid-19 positive passengers

According to the department, there has been a setback for the Middle East passengers to get tested positive in the 48-hour RT-PCR test or...
admin