KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesman on Energy, Gregory Mair has expressed “serious concerns” about Phillip Paulwell continuing as Minister of Energy following a damning report by the Office of the Contractor General. 

Mair said that the OCG report, pointing to Paulwell’s improper facilitation of Hong Kong-based Energy World International group in a bid to add 360 megawatts of power to the nation’s grid, is grounds for his position.

He said that there has been mounting calls and ultimatums from the Opposition, the private sector and other members of the public about the very strange developments surrounding the process. 

According to Mair the report by the OCG fell short of accusing the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) and the minister of collusion.

Mair also stated that had Paulwell followed his advice long ago of empowering the multi-stakeholder Energy Council and allowing them to monitor the process and hold the OUR accountable, the situation would not have reached to this point.

Mair said that in July of this year he expressed concerns about OUR ‘s willingness to accept a bid from the Hong Kong company, long after a deadline set by the OUR itself.