Opposition Leader, Philip J Pierre is advising Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet that his unilateral stoppage of construction works without adequate examination of the contracts involved may lead to an embarrassing situation and cost to the tax payer of Saint Lucia.
Mr Pierre explains that contracts for government works are not between the Prime Minister or Ministers but between the Government of Saint Lucia and the contractors.
Mr Pierre says, ‘These are legal documents signed and agreed to by both parties. The terms of these documents give details of the processes by which the works will be executed and include exit clauses for termination.
The legal way to terminate a contract is through these exit clauses. Therefore, it is unacceptable for the Prime Minister or any Minister to terminate a contract on site without even knowing what’s in these exit clauses.
Such actions may lead to penalties which the taxpayers of this county may be called upon to bear.”
The Prime Minister has said that works on the Soufriere Square will be halted while the Government reviews the project to ensure that the cost can be met. But Mr Pierre says the cost was included in this year’s Budget by the former Labour Government.
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