HLSCC as a statutory body, has submitted a total claim of $10,074,057.38 to its insurers, however no settlement has been arrived at as yet. Photo: VINO/File

Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, (R1), on July 24, 2018 had lambasted Hon Walwyn over the persistent refusal by members of the NDP government’s refusal to provide elected members with answers on queries related to tax dollars being spent. Photo: VINO/File

Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), Minister for Education and Culture told members of the House that in the interim, the college applied to the insurance company for an advance of $1,000,000.00 which was received and deposited at Banco Popular. VINO/File

This is according to Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL), who was at the time responding to Opposition Leader, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) during the last sitting of the House of Assembly on July 24, 2018.

Bank Loan

Hon Walwyn told members of the House that in the interim, to aid in the recovery process, the college applied to the insurance company for an advance of $1,000,000.00 which was received and deposited at Banco Popular.

The Opposition Leader was at the time enquiring of the Minister for Education and Culture, “what was the amount the government submitted to the insurer as a claim for damages incurred to the HLSCC as a result of hurricanes Irma and Maria?”

The House heard that the college has full insurance for all its fixed and movable assets and as of August 1, 2017, was insured by NAGICO insurance company in the amount of $31,912,000.00.

Contractors

Meanwhile, on the matter of the contentious contracts issued for repairs, Hon Walywn was ask to speak to the process used to which he responded saying “…the College is a Statutory Body which has its own legal personality and handles their own legal and financial affairs through the Board of Governors.”

Asked to identify the contractors and amounts paid, the Minister provided members with a list:

He told members, “…the Board in its wisdom appointed a staff member as the Director of Recovery to oversee all aspects of the recovery exercise.”

Persistent Refusal 

Hon Fahie on July 24, 2018 had lambasted Hon Walwyn over the persistent refusal by members of the National Democratic Party (NDP) government’s refusal to provide elected members with answers on queries related to tax dollars being spent.

“It is disingenuous for the Minister to leave the general public with the impression that he volunteered the documents to the Speaker and myself, it is the law,” Hon Fahie said.

According to Hon Fahie, Ministers continue to disregard the rules of the House by refusing to provide in a timely manner their written responses to questions asked “and at times refuse to answer some of the questions posed by the opposition.”