The Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) has accused Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson of lying to the nation during an interview on the National Communications Network (NCN) on August 17.
In a press statement yesterday BBCI expressed “astonishment” at an announcement by Patterson that government has offered to purchase the ownership of the Bridge.
The Sunday Stabroek has been unable to independently verify the claim and repeated attempts to contact the Minister for a response failed and up to press time he could not be reached.
“No such offer has been made at any time by the Government. This is a completely irresponsible statement on the part of the Minister and a most unfortunate attempt to mislead the public,” the company maintained, adding that it is nevertheless pleased to hear publicly from the Minister that his Government is willing to make a fair and reasonable offer to purchase the ownership of the Bridge and has, as a result, written to the Minister requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the Government’s offer.
Additionally the company has accused the coalition government generally and Patterson specifically of failing to recognize its role as a partner while misleading the public about its engagement with the company.
According to the statement during the interview Patterson “made a number of false and disconcerting statements which have absolutely no basis in truth.”
In addition to the claim of an attempted purchase, Patterson is accused of refusing to accept that his government bears responsibility for the current financial challenges faced by the company.
“The Minister knows perfectly well that his government has consistently refused to respect its contractual obligation to address the annual adjustments to the bridge toll required by the Concession Agreement between the government and the Bridge Company,” BBCI stated.
The company contends that since November 2018 they have repeatedly requested to meet with the Minister, in writing, to discuss a revision of the Concession Agreement without success.
In a letter of 19th November 2018, the Minister is said to have informed the BBCI that his Ministry “in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance, will be appointing an International Financing Firm/Company to provide guidance and expert financial advice regarding the current status and proposal of the BBCI” and that his Ministry was available for a meeting.
Ten months later there has been no meeting and no further contact from Patterson despite letters in January and March this year which highlighted the urgency of the need to meet on the matter of the tolls and possible revision of the Concession Agreement, BBCI said.
The promised engagement of the International Financing Company has also not materialized.
“The Concession Agreement between the government and the Bridge Company is a product of a public/private partnership, but instead of recognising its role as a partner, the government refuses to meet and has preferred to take control of the bridge and as a result has been ordered by the court to give reasons for its action,” BBCI stressed, reminding that the Court hearing is scheduled to be heard on 18th October 2019.
Citing a “threat to public safety” in light of the planned increase in tolls, the government on November 5th, 2018 assumed temporary control over the operation of the Berbice River Bridge and promised to retain the present toll structure as it sought to find an amicable resolution to its ongoing dispute with BBCI. There was however no amicable resolution and legal action followed.
The move by the government came after the bridge company had announced that there would be a huge increase in all tolls from November 12th , 2018.
The announcement had been met with opposition by Patterson, who had stated that the government would in no way allow “unconscionable increases” and would be seeking legal advice from the Attorney General’s Chambers.
