KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) says it is concerned about reports regarding a private company being contracted to supply 200 pre-owned motor vehicles to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and only delivering 30, causing embarrassment to the Government.

Read: Contractor to supply used cars for police falls short

According to the PSOJ, the reports raise questions around not only the procurement process applied, but also the technical evaluation that was done in awarding the contract and determining the type of vehicles to be supplied.

“It also calls to attention the possible lack of proper supervision of this process by the responsible parties at the Ministry of National Security (MNS) who had primary responsibility,” the PSOJ argued, adding that it is unacceptable that after there was so much concern raised when these vehicles were being ordered, that there are still issues surrounding delivery time and the suitability of the vehicles for the JCF.

“Further, we cannot accept that no proper due diligence seemed to have been done on the ability of the selected supplier to deliver the vehicles in a timely manner, and that they would have the requisite financing available and show evidence of their ability to supply the vehicles.

 “We are also very concerned with the reports that despite an internal decision at the MNS not to support a request for duty and tax waiver, that this decision was overruled, and the application made to the finance ministry,” PSOJ continued.

Howard Mitchell, newly elected PSOJ president, stated that it is imperative that the prime minister immediately look into the circumstances that gave rise to this contract and how it has been handled at present.

“I am also of the view that this is at minimum gross incompetence, and there must be accountability within the ministry,” Mitchell said, noting that it is necessary for the responsible minister to publicly provide clarity on this issue, so that there can be full transparency as we move forward with the investigations.