The Tribune

THE unions representing workers at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation criticised the “lack of transparency” in the reform of the corporation and explained in a letter sent to Prime Minister Perry Christie that they have more questions than answers after a recent meeting with the KPMG advisors on the matter.

The letter, written by the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union and Bahamas Electrical Utilities Managerial Union, was sent to Mr Christie and Minister of Works Philip Davis on September 12.

“Mr Prime Minister we reiterate that we welcome this process and its finalisation, but we decry the lack of transparency and the unions’ lack of participation in this process as the workers of BEC,” the letter said.

“Again, we repeat that we are an integral part to this process and its eventual success now and in the future. On this note, we have met with the government advisors KPMG and Deepak Bhatanagar. Sadly, we left this meeting with more concerns, uncertainty and less clarity on the process than before. Specifically, in relation to Mr Bhatanagar we are annoyed by his arrogance, disrespect and condescending treatment towards the unions, this process and the Bahamian people.

“As Bahamians, we will not tolerate this treatment from anybody, especially foreigners.”

The letter said Mr Davis recently told reporters that the selection of successful bidders will not be finalised until feedback from the public is obtained.

In view of this, the unions outlined ten benchmarks that should be met before the government makes a final decision.

Among other demands the union has asked for all proposals submitted by bidders along with verification and scoring of all technical and pricing submissions by bidders; the spread sheet of the preliminary evaluation of bids inclusive of dates received and data related to track records of bidders showing their ability to execute similar projects of this size and nature.

The unions also asked for a comparison of the type and size of plant being and equipment proposed to be utilised along with the type and projected price of selected fuel(s).

The unions also want to know the bidders’ ability to comprehensively address the existing environmental damages at the Clifton and Blue Hills Power stations along with ongoing future environmental remediation plans, especially having regard for the fuel type being used in the new plant facility.

They have also asked for staffing plans during construction and subsequent operation of all new plant “especially the proposed use of expatriate workers and the need for work permits and the degree of Bahamian staff that would be required.”

“Once union leaders have received complete responses to the above and are comfortable that they can inform members that they are satisfied that the evaluation and selection process was fair and transparent, the selection of the preferred bidder(s) can be concluded,” the letter said.

Recently, BEWU President Paul Maynard said the government will not get the union’s support in the reform of the BEC if it continues to be “secretive” about the bidding process.

He told The Tribune the union was informed that no company has been officially selected to provide management and distribution services for the corporation, the field has been narrowed down to three bidders and a decision will be made before November 1.