Setting up and Act of Fraud

EXCERPTS FROM SKERRIT’S STATEMENT ON THE GARBAGE BIN SCANDAL

June 02, 2009

“Based on the reports I have read and information I have collated I am satisfied that the public officers in the office of the prime minister performed their duties with competence and due diligence. The public officers were like me entitled to rely on documentation and information given and conveyed to them. There was at the various stages of this matter nothing to cause any of us to question the documentation or information or any other matter relating to this transaction.

“… The public officers and secretary to the Cabinet acted diligently throughout and were in constant communication with Logistical Supply Solutions INC

“Last year Roseau City Council launched a programme for the improvement of the city of Roseau this programme also included the provision of garbage cans to the residents of the city to eliminate garbage bags from the street

“The Roseau City Council in furtherance of its programme approached the office of the Prime Minister to purchase garbage bins for the city

“A pro forma invoice from Logistical Supplies Solutions INC was submitted to the office of the prime minister. Once approval of the purchase of the bins was granted I referred the matter to the senior administrative and accounting officers in the office of the prime minister for processing. On the request of the office of the prime minister an invoice was prepared requiring billing and shipment to the office of the Prime Minister.

NOTES:

The quantity of 2,700 bins was invoiced at US$102.19 per bin – approximately US$87.19 above the known retail price – resulting in an upfront overcharge of US$235,413.00 or EC$639,593.60.

There was no item description on the invoice.

There was no public tender.

There was no competitive bidding.

The money was paid in advance to the personal account of Andre Dopwell.