PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

The Trinidad and Tobago government yesterday denied claims that it had awarded a TT$12 billion (US$2 billion) contract to a British-based firm to supply three offshore patrol vessels for the Coast Guard.

National Security Minister Martin Joseph told the Senate, that negotiations were still taking place with the "preferred bidder" and that he had been advised "it would be inappropriate at this time to indicate the likely cost because it would interfere with the negotiations."

"But let me give you, Mr. Vice President and the Senate, the assurance that as soon as the negotiations are completed I will come to this honourable House and tell you exactly what is the cost, and it will certainly not be $12 billion," Joseph said.