Today, The Tribune newspaper reported that it will be sending a letter to the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Housing requesting the spending records of the Ministry of Housing with specific focus on contracts awarded from 2002 to 2006.
The newspaper was told to submit its request and questions in writing and, barring any legal stipulations, the information would be supplied.
In the past, efforts by The Tribune to put to rest so far unsubstantiated claims that an unusually large portion of government housing projects have been awarded to a preferred group of contractors has been met with stiff resistance by Ministry of Housing officials.
Contractors in New Providence, and in some cases on the Family Islands, complain that the ministry cannot justify the contracts it has awarded, claiming that three conglomerates in particular are being favoured above all.
In an article published on May 9, 2006, Minister Neville Wisdom said transparency was of utmost importance to himself and his colleagues. He said that a list of all the contracts awarded had been completed and would be made available. This report. however, was never received.
The Tribune, in its determination to get answers, is copying the letter (addressed to the minister) to permanent secretary Leila Greene.
By PAUL G TURNQUEST Tribune Staff Reporter
