Samsung selected through transparent bidding - Paulwell

ENERGY MINISTER Phillip Paulwell yesterday dismissed questions raised by Gregory Mair about the selection of South Korean company, Samsung, as the preferred bidder to develop Jamaica's liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, saying the opposition spokesman was creating mischief.

"He should know that this process started under an administration of which he was a part. They developed, they design the project, he is very familiar with all of that, so he would know that those questions are really to create mischief," Paulwell told The Gleaner yesterday.

Mair, the opposition spokesman for industry, commerce and energy, said he was baffled about issues surrounding the selection of Samsung. He claims to have been informed that Samsung did not have the lowest bid.

Paulwell said yesterday that the recommendation that Samsung be selected as preferred bidder came from the Chris Zacca-led LNG Steering Committee, which was appointed by former Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

"The recommendation was made some time ago but in light of the change in chairmanship of the committee, we asked the new chairman (Dr Carlton Davis) to review and they have endorsed what was first recommended by the committee that was first chaired by Mr Zacca," Paulwell said.

"I am satisfied that the process was a transparent one," the minister added.

In the meantime, the bids will close today for the supply of LNG, which the Government said is a critical step in lowering Jamaica's energy cost.