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Cabinet Approves Contract for Empty Container Handlers

May 17, 2005

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Cabinet has approved contracts totalling US$1.3 million for the supply and commissioning of five empty container handlers, as requested by the Port Authority of Jamaica, to deal with the operations on the port.
Making the announcement at the weekly post Cabinet press briefing yesterday (May 16), at Jamaica House, Information Minister, Senator Whiteman said that before Christmas last year, there was considerable concern about congestion on the port, “much of which was not peculiar to our transshipment port, but which the Port Authority sought valiantly to deal with, in the interest of protecting its business and in serving the Jamaica commercial community as well as the population as a whole”.
He noted that from as early as November last year, the Authority had sought to acquire equipment to deal with the increasing number of empty containers, which caused congestion, and also got in the way of quick turnover of goods.
“It became clear fairly early on that having sought to acquire two empty container handlers, it needed three more. It obtained permission from the Contracts Commission to enter into a sole source negotiation with Deryck A. Gibson Limited, who are the agents for the equipment, which they had successfully obtained and used in the past,” Senator Whiteman explained.
It is expected that these additional container handlers will assist considerably in the overall modernization of the port and the efficiency of its operations.
Cabinet also approved a proposal by the National Housing Development Corporation (NHDC) for the completion of infrastructure works in the Wellington Heights Development. The $40.45 million contract has been awarded to Tankweld Construction Company to provide for the creation of 45 serviced lots, which have already been sold.
“The project will include the completion of roads, water supply and surface drainage that had not been completed, as a result of which that contract has been ended,” Minister Whiteman told journalists.
The Wellington Heights Development is an open market project located in Wellington Heights, St. Andrew.

Last Updated: May 17, 2005

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