CoI: Walwyn grilled on controversial ESHS wall project
The ESHS wall project was commissioned and driven by Walwyn in which his own Permanent Secretary described the wall as the Minister’s 'pet project'.
Wall project had 'no value for money' - AG Webster
In her report, the Auditor General Ms Webster noted that the cost of the wall and what was delivered did not add up.
There was “no value for money, workers being paid for work not done” and blatant violations of the law, in particular, the “Public Finance Management Regulations,” the report stated.
Appearing before the commission led by Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom in the CoI hearing day of September 20, 2021, Walwyn was rigorously grilled on the project.
What was evident was that some of the small sub-projects under the wall were issued via minor contracts to keep the figures below $100, 000, the commissioner pointed out.
Walwyn sought to clear himself from the financial aspects of the project, telling the CoI that the Finance and Planning Officer, though positioned in a particular ministry, is under the direct supervision of the Financial Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, and the Permanent Secretary.
Walwyn told the CoI that it is important to note that point because there has always been a direct link to the Ministry of Finance regarding the Finance and Planning Officer and that the officer is not always acting on the direct instruction from the Minister.
Augustine should appear before CoI - Walwyn
Calling out Steve Augustine as the Chief Technical person on the matter, Walwyn said he is being asked questions on the project that he was not involved in; however, he said Augustine and the two other technical persons from his Ministry have not been called before the commission.
Augustine from SA Architect was allegedly handpicked and hired by Hon Walwyn for the project.
The Minister ignored all the expertise available in the Ministry of Finance’s Project Management Unit with Mr Augustine—according to the reports—providing architectural drawings, bill of quantities and project management services.
SA Architect was also responsible for overseeing the works, reporting on progress and signing payment requests to certify that the contractors had completed work and were entitled to get paid.
Who was in charge of the ministry?
Meanwhile, following more denial of knowing the technical details of the ESHS wall construction, CoI Counsel Bilal M. Rawat told Walwyn that a general point he would not want to convey is an impression of his Ministry as one where he had project managers building things that he was unaware of.
Rather than taking ownership of issues under his watch, Walwyn said, in some instances, projects would be left to the discretion of the project team regarding the use of the department's budget.
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23 Responses to “CoI: Walwyn grilled on controversial ESHS wall project ”
Walwyn is among the few Wittnesses that handle himself well, intelligently honourable, and respect for the process?
it was not me-it was tom dick also harry
You say often that the UK may take over, and run this country. Yes they may, it is better if they do, for a time, two years or so. Who care if you vote many dislikes?
"Bald head" Walwyn is a CRO.* from Down Island.
Tina Turner sang a song that Titled: "What live has to do with it.?" I asked, "what skin colour has to do with it?"
You think we are foolish? I could bet you the 30 acres of undivided land John Crook and Foonsie left us, that the UK will work against the goodwill of the VI people. Wake up, people. The COI is an "aside" to the UK's real plans. Don't say I didn't tell you. They are no better than our people.