![]()
Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
Desmond Hayle, president of the Jamaica Institute of Architects, who has been named to chair the Sandals Whitehouse audit team.
Monique Hepburn, News Editor
WESTERN BUREAU:
Desmond Hayle, the president of the Jamaican Institute of Architects, has been appointed chairman of the Sandals Whitehouse audit team, a move that has angered members of the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
In a release issued yesterday, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson indicated that Mr. Hayle was on the original team appointed by him in November to investigate reports of cost overruns and shoddy work on the controversial project.
He has mandated the five-member team to immediately commence their assignment and carry out a thorough forensic audit of the project "from inception to completion".
"The audit team has been authorised to retain and consult with other industry professionals as they may deem necessary in the execution of their task, and seek such specialist advice from building contractors as they be required," the release said.
However, Karl Samuda, Opposition spokesman on investments, told The Gleaner yesterday that the appointment was done without any input from the Opposition, which had initiated calls for a forensic audit on the project after reports of severe cost overruns and alleged corruption.
"The Prime Minister has once again illustrated how capable he is in engaging in double talk and operating by double standards," said Mr. Samuda. "On the one hand, he expresses an interest in having the Government and the Opposition cooperate on important issues," said Mr. Samuda.
"It is disappointing that during his dying days as PM he has not illustrated the type of cooperation that is expected. One thinks that this is a matter where there would be total collaboration, because we both seek the same objectives."
Mr. Samuda said that the Opposition is willing to accept Mr. Hayle's appointment if he shows a willingness to commit to unearthing corruption in "a professional and transparent manner".
The JLP had previously opposed the appointment of Donald Mullings, the president of the Masterbuilders Association, claiming that his construction firm has undertaken work for the government.
Mr. Patterson has expressed confidence that the team would undertake the audit with professionalism and integrity.
Other members of the audit team:
Robert Wan former
president of Jamaica Institute of Quantity Surveyors
Calvin Roache former
president of the Jamaica Institute of Quantity Surveyors
Grace Ashley former
president of the Jamaica Institute of Engineers
Dr. Allan Kirton former Permanent Secretary
