A probe by the Office of the Contractor General (OCG) has uncovered irregularities and breaches in the sale of a property in downtown Kingston by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) nearly six years ago.
The OCG’s report on the divestment of the property at 35 West Parade to Bashco Trading Company for $31.4 million was tabled in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
The Office of the Contractor General found that the sale of 35 West Parade was in contravention of Government of Jamaica Privatisation and Procedures Policy.
It said the UDC failed to comply with the directives of the policy that Government assets being considered for divestment be advertised to ensure transparency.
According to the OCG, the role played by then UDC General Manager Joy Douglas, in concealing information from the Corporation’s Board regarding the other three competing offers to purchase the 35 West Parade property was tantamount to an unfair undertaking.
The then UDC Board was also placed in the spotlight by the Office of the Contractor General.
It said granting permission for the divestment of the property to Bashco Trading, in the absence of an approved and credible development plan, reflects that the UDC’s Board acted with unnecessary haste, irresponsibly and contrary to stipulated protocols.
The OCG is also of the opinion that Ms. Douglas, failed to provide the UDC’s Board and the Office of the Prime Minister with the requisite information which would probably allow the directors to make an objective and informed decision in relation to the sale of the property.
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