KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of National Security Robert Montague says he is hurt when people “carelessly” attack his reputation and the “professionalism of the technocrats at the Ministry of National Security whose responsibility is to execute policy”.

The minister, who was speaking in Parliament today, was responding to the saga surrounding the pre-owned motor vehicles policy and procurement.

Last week news surfaced that a private company was awarded a $426.9-million contract to supply 200 pre-owned motor vehicles to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), but  to date delivered only 30, causing embarrassment to the Government.

In addressing guideline breach concerns by the Opposition party, Montague maintained that the procurement has not breached any of the Government of Jamaica’s procurement guidelines.

In chronological order dated from September 2016 to December 1, 2017, he outlined the steps taken by him and his ministry to obtain vehicles for the JCF, in attempt to “provide transparency, clarity, accountability, and good governance to the nation”.

According to the security minister, on October 12, 2016 in the presence of representatives from the Office of the Contractor General and others, a tender box was opened following a September 2016 advertisement in the press for 80 cars and 120 double-cab pickups.

“Three tenders were found – Tryvisco Enterprise, O’Brien’s and Motor One Imports. One additional bid that was not placed in the box was rejected and returned unopened because it was not submitted on time according to the GOJ procurement process.

“The JCF, it’s Transport Management and Maintenance Division, and Citizen Security and Justice Programme evaluated the three tenders where O’Brien’s International Car Sales and Rentals Limited and Tryvisco Enterprise Limited emerged with scores above the overall minimum of 75.

“Following this, a letter was received from the National Contracts Commission endorsing the recommendation for the award of contracts to O’Brien’s International,” he said.

The contract was signed between the security ministry and O’Brien’s on January 25, with the car dealer providing a performance bond and an advance payment guarantee bond as per regulations, which according to Montague, was to ensure adherence to the contract by the supplier and that the tax dollars of the Jamaican people were always protected.

“At no time was or will the Jamaican taxpayer be at risk. Any lack of performance will not place the taxpayer at any risk. At no time will the people of Jamaica suffer any financial loss,” he emphasised.

See the Wednesday Observer for more information.