JLP Member of Parliament for Central Kingston and attorney-at-law Donovan Williams
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Lorraine Walker reports
Jamaica Labour Party Member of Parliament for Central Kingston and attorney-at-law, Donovan Williams, has responded to claims by Opposition Spokesman Health Dr. Alfred Dawes that he is a shareholder in the company which supplied the $31 million neurosurgical drill to the Bustamante Hospital for Children.
The opposition has complained that the $31 million price tag was exorbitant and an affront to taxpayers.
The South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) has dismissed the claims of the opposition and asserted that a competitive bidding process preceded the purchase.
But speaking Tuesday at a press briefing, Dr. Dawes said he has unearthed fresh evidence on the procurement process and is accusing SERHA and the Health Ministry of blatant corruption and nepotism. He claimed the company that supplied the drill is linked to Mr. Williams.
In a swift response, Mr. Williams accused Dr. Dawes of being mistaken and reckless in his pronouncements at Tuesday's press briefing.
He said he could have answered all the questions raised Tuesday by Dr. Dawes if the opposition spokesman had reached out to him.
The member of Parliament has admitted that a search of Companies Office records will show his name listed as one of the shareholders in the company in question. But he insisted he does not currently and has never held a beneficial interest in the company.
Mr. Williams said his name being listed as a shareholder in the company merely reflects that he was designated as a trustee in his capacity as an attorney-at-law.
He said the company referenced by Dr. Dawes was incorporated in 2007 and he became a trustee for some of its shares in 2009.
Mr. Williams added that a legal dispute later ensued as to the beneficial ownership of the shares.
He said it was made clear and accepted during those proceedings that he had no beneficial interest in the shares and never did. He added that for the avoidance of doubt, he has never claimed certain interest at any time.
Mr. Williams said the matter was resolved in 2022 and his attorneys have since prepared the necessary documents to facilitate the shares being passed to the beneficial owner.
The MP maintained that he was not involved in any negotiations or discussions involving the purchase of the surgical drill and only became aware of the transaction via a news report.
Mr. Williams said he has instructed his lawyers to review the allegations made by Dr. Dawes and to recommend appropriate action.
He added that he has also directed his legal team to monitor any ensuing reports and repetitions of the allegedly defamatory statements.
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