The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament adjourned its meeting prematurely yesterday, after receiving apologies for absence from three persons who were scheduled to appear before it.

For nearly six months, the PAC has been conducting an investigation into the US$43 million cost overrun at the Sandals Whitehouse Hotel in Westmoreland.

Alston Stewart, head of Nevalco Consultants Limited, the project manager for the Sandals Whitehouse hotel development, said he could not attend the meeting because of business commitments.

Significant loss

In a letter read by Mike Henry, acting chairman of the PAC, Mr. Stewart explained that he would be engaged for a number of weeks. "I should note that I had, at some cost to me, delayed these activities to facilitate my availability for my prior appearances and any further change in those arrangements will cause me significant loss," he stated.

Former Urban Development Corporation (UDC) Chairman, Dr. Vin Lawrence, said he would not be in attendance at the PAC meetings as he would be overseas on Mondays and Tuesdays for the next several weeks.

In a letter he reminded the committee that at his third appearance it was agreed that if the need arose for further clarification, the committee should send, in writing, questions, and he would provide a prompt written response.

Marjorie Campbell, president and chief executive officer of the UDC, also apologised to the committee for her absence, explaining that she had prior work commitments.

The PAC also received a note from Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, chairman of Gorstew, indicating that he could not be present at the meeting.

The committee has taken a two-week break and will next meet on March 6.