Former Deputy Prime Minister Shawn Richards Reveals Details of Conversations with Bryan Singh

Introduction

By Loshaun Dixon

Former Deputy Prime Minister Shawn Richards has disclosed details of conversations he had with Bryan Singh, Chief Executive Officer of East Coast Housing Development, during his tenure in 2021, clarifying that their discussions were not primarily related to housing.

Discussions with Bryan Singh

“These conversations were not necessarily relative to housing,” Richards stated. “I am aware that Mr. Singh did approach the then Minister of Housing, Eugene Hamilton, with a similar proposal. While Mr. Hamilton would have looked at the proposal and, to the best of my knowledge, would have prepared a draft Cabinet submission, it never came before the Cabinet because, I suppose, in his wisdom, he had his reasons.”

Richards, who was then Minister of Public Infrastructure, revealed that when Singh contacted him in 2021, the main subject of their discussions was a desalination plant for the Federation. “Most of my discussions with him would have surrounded that particular desalination plant,” Richards explained. “I had several discussions with the manager for the Water Department, Mr. Cromwell Williams, about it. After those discussions, the decision was made that we would prefer not to give a contract to Mr. Singh for a desalination plant.”

Excerpts from Messages Exchanged

Richards also shared excerpts from messages exchanged with Singh. In one message dated September 29, 2021, Singh wrote: “Honourable Deputy Prime Minister, I pray for Almighty God’s infinite blessings upon you and your family this blessed Wednesday morning in Jesus’s name. Further to our text conversation of September 3, 2021, and your advice that you and Mr. Williams would speak some more and that Mr. Williams will contact me thereafter, I wish to advise that I have spoken to Mr. Williams on Friday, September 24, 2021, and was advised by him that you had indeed communicated with him on our 100% finance desalination proposal and that you had also requested again copies of documents we provided months ago.”

Richards responded: “You see immediately what the difference is, in that we requested from him references, his financial capabilities, his experience in terms of such a project.”

Follow-up Messages

Singh followed up in another message, urging a decision: “Kind sir, I write to you again humbly seeking a valuable update from your good self as Mr. Williams has advised that he is still to be apprised as to your guided decision as it were in the way forward.”

Richards said he made it clear that due diligence had to be conducted. “Mr. Williams has indeed provided the information and documents. He also has expressed some concerns with your experience in this field. The advice is to go out to tender for the service.”

East Coast Housing Development’s Proposal

Bryan Singh, Chief Executive Officer of East Coast Housing Development Ltd

Singh then referenced IDE Technologies of Israel, stating that it was the “largest and only chemical-free desalination company in the world with an unblemished and proven track record internationally.” Singh assured Richards that the government would not need to provide any upfront financing and even proposed leasing land to the company, writing, “Your Team Unity government has no monetary upfront injection, mobilization, etc. in this project, as even the land that your government has earmarked for this plant can be leased to us at an agreed price.”

Conclusion of Conversations

Richards reflected on this, stating, “I have to say, God is good because we never followed up again.” He pointed out that Singh sent another message on February 22, 2022, continuing to push the proposal, writing, “You would agree that considerable time has passed since our last text conversation on October 28, 2021, in relation to our serious interest in providing the best and permanent solution to the overwhelming and extremely lengthy and continuous challenges being faced by the Basseterre-Cayon communities in regards to its deserved potable water usage.”

Current Situation

Despite this, the present government, led by Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, engaged East Coast Housing Development in 2023 to construct 600 homes. However, the company has so far failed to deliver on its promises.

Addressing the issue at a recent government press conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Housing Dr. Geoffrey Hanley acknowledged the setbacks.

“As a country, we engaged East Coast Housing Development in assisting us in delivering some homes,” Hanley stated. “Unfortunately, the 600 homes we were anticipating, with all of the challenges that we might have experienced with the investor, have caused some delays. These matters are being worked on.”

Government’s Response

He assured the public that the government’s interests were protected under the contractual agreement and that the Attorney General’s office was addressing the matter. “Based on the contractual arrangement that we would have signed, the AG’s office, of course, is working on ensuring that the government’s interest is protected,” he said.

Hanley also confirmed that no public funds had been lost and that the government remained committed to its housing programme. “We have not lost any money as a government, but we are committed to continuing with our home delivery. As a government, we have made a commitment in delivering our housing solution promise, and this continues.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the conversations between Former Deputy Prime Minister Shawn Richards and Bryan Singh, Chief Executive Officer of East Coast Housing Development, reveal a lack of due diligence and transparency in the company’s proposals. The current government’s engagement with the company has resulted in delays and setbacks, highlighting the importance of careful consideration and scrutiny in government contracts.

FAQ

Q: What was the main subject of discussion between Shawn Richards and Bryan Singh?

A: The main subject of discussion was a desalination plant for the Federation.

Q: Why did the government decide not to give a contract to East Coast Housing Development for the desalination plant?

A: The government decided not to give a contract to East Coast Housing Development due to concerns about the company’s experience and ability to deliver the project.