PHILLIP PAULWELL, Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology, has named the members of a team mandated to conduct an independent probe into circumstances that led to faulty cement entering the local market.
A statement from the ministry revealed that the members of the special committee were chosen after a process of consultation.
The appointment of the special investigative team follows a series of meetings convened by Mr. Paulwell with stakeholders in the industry.
The announcement comes on the heels of a preliminary report from the Caribbean Cement Company Limited (CCCL) that largely blamed human error for the faulty cement. Carib Cement has also apologised for the mishap.
Earlier this month, reports surfaced that 500 tonnes of defective cement from CCCL entered the market in late February. Subsequently, the company recalled the cement manufactured during the period February 19-27. The disclosure of substandard cement on the market has resulted in a shortage that has stalled several major projects across the island.
UNDER HEAVY FIRE
Mr. Paulwell, who came under heavy fire that included calls for his resignation, said the "objectives of the investigative team are to identify the specific factors that led to the production and/or distribution of cement that failed to meet the compulsory standard for cement (JS 32); and to make recommendations to avoid any reoccurrence."
The team will report to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Science and Technology and present its final report on May 5.
In the interim, additional supplies of cement are now being imported to ease the shortage on the local market. Paulwell revealed that supplies have been sourced from Venezuela, Cuba and Barbados.
Seven-man team
George Blankson, Team Leader - University of Technology
Junior Gordon - University of Technology
Victor Douse - University of the West Indies
John Valentine - Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica
Nicola Gordon Rowe - Jamaica Manufacturers' Association
Hermon Edmonson - Jamaica Institution of Engineers
George Blackwood - Hardware Merchants Association
