Rymer concerned over single tender for roadworks project

Minister for Communications and Works Kye Rymer has voiced concerns about the prolonged decision-making process surrounding the government’s 38-mile roadwork project.

The project, which is valued at approximately $37 million, has only attracted a single tender, raising questions about the initiative’s transparency and progress. In an interview with ZBVI Radio, Rymer confirmed that the Ministry of Finance is responsible for the delay, noting that the tendering process has not yet reached the Cabinet.

“This tender was sent to the Ministry of Finance, I think, last year, around October, and from the Ministry’s standpoint, we are awaiting the outcome of the tender,” Rymer stated. The tender, submitted by a company based in St Kitts, was the only bid received for the roadwork project. Opposition member and Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn had earlier raised concerns about the lack of competition in the bidding process and called for an investigation.

While Rymer acknowledged these concerns, he explained that the process has been transparent, citing an open tender that allowed any qualified company to participate.

“An open tender is fair game. Anyone can bid. There is no restriction on who could or couldn’t bid,” he explained. “A person who deserves to do work within the jurisdiction, once they have the capabilities or they have the interest, they will bid,” said Rymer, who also expressing uncertainty about the specifics of Penn’s concern. “I’m not sure what information the member for the Eighth has, but I am not familiar with what those concerns would be,” he said.