By Matthew Falloon, Staff ReporterMUSTANG JAMAICA is expected to take over motor vehicle inspection services soon as the long-awaited divestment of the service approaches its conclusion.
Information reaching The Gleaner from sources within the Ministry of Transport and Works and the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) said Mustang Jamaica Ltd is the chosen company and the matter is now in the hands of the National Investment Bank of Jamaica (NIBJ) for finalisation.
According to the Director of the Land Transport Unit in the Ministry of Transport and Works, Sandra Myers, the "Ministry has done what it is supposed to do. The ball is in NIBJ's court".
A source at the Island Traffic Authority cited Mustang Jamaica as the company set to take over the running of the service that has been plagued by allegations of corruption.
However, when contacted, a spokesperson for the NIBJ explained the institution had instructions from Cabinet to keep its lips sealed.
According to records at the Office of the Registrar of Companies, New Kingston, Mustang Jamaica Ltd was founded in 1999 by Patrick Rousseau, Alva Anderson, Lance Johnson and Sandra Shirley. By October 2000, the Board of Directors also included Donald, David and Dean Ganzhorn, Conrad Ainsworth and Allen Walter.
The company was registered at the Registrar of Companies "to offer motor vehicle inspection services, operate service stations and conduct certain engineering services".
Plans for the divestment of the motor vehicle inspection services at the Island Traffic Authority stretch back into the late-90s but have been severely delayed. However, a Bill passed earlier this year amending the Road Traffic Act and facilitating the privatisation seemed to indicate that progress was being made. Before the Bill was approved in March, the Authority could only delegate its functions to public servants.
