Transport Minister dismisses JUTC corruption allegations

[evanovitch]

Sunday, 06 July 2008

Transport Minister Mike Henry has dismissed newspaper allegations of corruption at the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC). Responding to reporters following his presentation to the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) Area Council 1, Mr. Henry dismissed the paper's allegations as merely a ploy to sell newspapers.

The Sunday Herald published a story under the heading, "Questionable JUTC contracts" which seemed to suggest that the JUTC Board approved an un-tendered contract to a company in which slain chairman Douglas Chambers was a major player.

In his initial response to the newspaper report, the Transport Minister said he had no knowledge of any such contracts.

The newspaper reported other allegations that the bus company awarded contracts to members of the Spanish Town based One Order and Clansman gangs.

He says he will investigate the matter and release a further statement on the Herald's allegations following a meeting with the JUTC Board on Monday.

Meanwhile, despite reports to the contrary, no decision has yet been taken to award a national honour to the slain JUTC Chairman, Douglas Chambers.

The Ministry of Transport and Works has issued a release refuting media reports carried last week, suggesting that Mr. Chambers was to receive the Order of Jamaica in recognition of his work with the bus company.

The Ministry acknowledged that it has recommended to the relevant authority that such an award be considered, however, no decision has yet been taken on the matter.

The Ministry's release also noted that the deadline for submitting recommendations for the awarding of national honours this year, has long expired.

It would therefore require special consideration for any such honour to be bestowed on the late JUTC Chairman.

[evanovitch]

Henry to address allegations about controversial JUTC contra


Transport Minister Mike Henry is promising information Tuesday morning regarding reports of controversial contracts awarded by the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) under the aegis of the late chairman Douglas Chambers.

Mr. Henry, who has been in charge of the JUTC since Mr. Chambers was shot dead two weeks ago, met with the company's Board on Monday.

The Transport Minister declined to confirm whether there was any truth to newspaper reports alleging that the bus company had awarded contracts to members of the violent One Order and Klansman gangs.

In the meantime, RJR News has been informed that the funeral for Mr. Chambers will be held on Friday.

Details of the arrangements will be released by the Transport Ministry late Tuesday.

[Tuff Gong]

Re: Henry to address allegations about controversial JUTC contra


The Comrade Herald is just trying to save the face of their corrupt masters in the PNP.
Are they stupid enough to believe that a Depot, built on Michael Menlie's Boulevard in the heart of Klans Man Territory would be free from Political interference?

Are they stupid to believe that such a powerful gang as the Order would not want a piece of the action as well?

Are they so hypocritical to ignore the words of the Danny Roberts who said the workers of the JUTC would be chosen along political lines?
Where were they all this time?
Why did they lick out?

Even if this was true I am sure Dougie made sure they did the work, in fact in the Comrade Herald's other articles on Dougie, they admitted that he saved the JUTC a pile money.
Maybe if he never gave the Gang some employment he would have been dead on day one.