Dawes doubles down on $31m neuro drill claim, requests serial number
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson on Health Dr Alfred Dawes is requesting the serial number of a J$31 million drill recently purchased for the Bustamante Hospital for Children, as he reiterates concerns that there may have been a mark-up in the price of the tool.
Doubling down on a press conference where he made the claims, Dr Dawes, in a video posted to social media on Wednesday, said: “I am asking that the serial number of the drill at the Bustamante Hospital be made public so we can compare to see if the drills are different.”
Medical Technologies Limited on Wednesday rejected Dawes’ claims, stating that the “drill” he was referencing is actually the motor component of a drill purchased some years ago. It noted that the motor component (EM200 Legend EHS Stylus motor) was sent to the United States on September 26, 2024 for repairs and attached a commercial invoice to support its claim.
READ: Medical Technologies Limited rejects ‘false statements’ by Dawes over $31m neuro drill
However, Dr Dawes said whether or not the serial numbers match, there are follow-up questions that need to be answered by the Government.
The People’s National Party (PNP) representative further claimed that the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) had attacked his credibility following his press conference on Tuesday.
Shortly after the conference, JLP Member of Parliament Donovan Williams demanded an apology from Dawes over claims the PNP representative had made, attempting to link him to the company behind the purchase. Williams indicated he was merely a trustee in the company and was making arrangements for the shares to be passed to the rightful owner.
READ: Williams calls for apology from Dawes after ‘defamatory’ allegations
“Go ahead and sue me. I’ll see you in court,” Dawes said in response.
Dr Dawes said all of his assertions had been backed by proof in writing, which had been turned over to the auditor general and the Integrity Commission.