OCG seizes scrap metal documents from Customs

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

THE Office of the Contractor General (OCG) yesterday seized several documents from the Customs Department during a surprise visit as it continues investigations into the alleged export of 97 containers of scrap metal in breach of a Cabinet Order banning such exports, and without the required licences from the Trade Board.

In a statement yesterday, the OCG, which had announced its intention to commence the probe on Friday, said a five-member team from its office, along with an officer of the Island Special Constabulary Force made the "unannounced visit" to Customs to review and secure documents and records related to the export of scrap metal.

Craig Beresford, senior director of monitoring operations, corporate communications and special projects at the OCG, told the Observer yesterday said the office received the "full co-operation" of the Customs staff but declined to disclose the quantity of documents seized or the period to which they referred.

"We would rather keep that information confidential. Just that we have sequestered several documents," Beresford said, noting that it was not the custom of the OCG to "disclose any information during the course of the investigation" it has started.

The OCG on Friday said it had decided to carry out the probe after a careful review of public statements regarding the matter, which were made by the minister of industry, investment and commerce, Dr Christopher Tufton; permanent secretary in the ministry, Reginald Budhan; former commissioner of Customs Danville Walker; and the Customs Department. It said it had also taken note of certain public statements and allegations by the Opposition People's National Party regarding the matter.

Tufton is on record as saying the referenced exports were authorised and facilitated by the Customs Department in violation of a Cabinet Order which stipulated that entities eligible to export scrap metal must first receive a permit from the Trade Board. The Customs Department for its part had taken responsibility for allowing certain select entities to export scrap metal without the requisite licences, while the former commissioner has also publicly defended his actions which he, said, have resulted in foreign exchange earnings for the country. Walker said the ban was not a complete one and facilitated the export of company-generated scrap metal.

The OCG has, in the meantime, taken a swipe at Walker and "one morning radio talk show host" for questioning its jurisdiction or involvement in the matter.

Yesterday, the OCG said its actions were protected under Section 4 (1) (b) of the Contractor General Act, which provides that it shall be the function of a contractor general, on behalf of Parliament, "to monitor the grant, issue, suspension or revocation of any prescribed licence, with a view to ensuring that the circumstances of such grant, issue, suspension or revocation do not involve impropriety or irregularity and, where appropriate, to examine whether such licence is used in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof".

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OCG seizes scrap metal documents from Customs