Earlier on, you heard the unions questioning the Briceno Government's political will to truly engage in cost-cutting measures. Well, one car dealership is questioning their tendering process for 6 new vehicles that are supposed to go to the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
In a letter dated, March 12, 2021, Chad Dietrich, the Managing Director of Caribbean Motors, brought the matter to the attention of Contractor General, Omar Mitchell. He writes, quote, "We are informed that they have selected, without going to tender, Belize Auto Zone to be the supplier of six Mazda Pick-up trucks… with campers for a total sum of $357,00 or $59,000 each… We wish to bring to your attention that the bid process was not utilized, therefore, in our belief, the selection of Belize Auto Zone… is in contravention of good governance practices and fair play. We wish to point out that Belize Auto Zone is not an authorized vehicle dealer. They sell small auto parts, tints, and BBQ on Cemetery Road, Belize City, while our investment is substantial to provide after-sales support" End quote.
Detrich then goes on to state that they could have offered the government a better package. He says that all Caribbean Motors is asking for is that they be given an opportunity to make a bid in a fair manner as the law and good governance practices prescribe.
We've since been provided with an internal memo from the Ministry of Finance to the Health Ministry dated March 11th, 2021, from the Financial Secretary to the CEO in the Ministry of Health and Wellness. It approves the $357,000 dollar contract to Belize Auto Zone, but warns that the Ministry of Finance should have been part of the evaluation committee.
The background to all this is that the owner of Belize Auto Zone, Nigel Espat is a part of the campaign team for Michel Chebat, the Minister of Health and Wellness.
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