Patterson appoints Hayle to chair Sandals Whitehouse audit team
DESMOND Hayle, president of the Jamaica Institute of Architects, is to chair the Sandals Whitehouse Audit Team.
A statement issued by Jamaica House on
Thursday confirmed that Prime Minister PJ Patterson had appointed Hayle – who was on the original team appointed last November – chairman.
“He (Patterson) has mandated the team to immediately commence their assignment,” Jamaica House said.
“The audit team has been authorised to retain and consult with other industry professionals as they may deem necessary in the execution of their task and seek such specialist advice from building contractors as may be required,” the statement continued.
The other members of the audit team as previously announced by the prime minister are:
. Robert Wan, former president of Jamaica Institute of Quantity Surveyors;
. Calvin Roache, former president of the Jamaica Institute of Quantity Surveyors;
. Grace Ashley, former president of the Jamaica Institution of Engineers; and
. Dr Allan Kirton, former permanent secretary.
The terms of reference of the audit team remains the same as was previously announced. The team has been mandated to carry out a thorough forensic audit of the Sandals Whitehouse project from inception to completion.
The prime minister decided to appoint the team following the passage of a unanimous resolution by the House of Representatives on October 25, 2005.
In announcing Hayle’s appointment, Patterson expressed confidence that the team would undertake the forensic audit with the level of professionalism and integrity for which the sector is renowned.
Hayle’s appointment to head up the audit team follows last November’s resignation by Don Mullings, who resigned the post, saying he had no desire to expose himself and his team to further attacks on their professional integrity and reputation.
Mullings’ comments followed accusations by Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) general secretary Karl Samuda that approximately $2 billion in government contracts obtained by M&M Jamaica Limited, Mullings’ company, disqualified him from carrying out the job.
