Forensic audit team appointed for Sandals Whitehouse

Following the passage of a unanimous resolution of the House of Representatives on October 25th. 2005, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has appointed a six-member Forensic Audit Team with Mr. Donald Mullings, Civil Engineer, Managing Director M&M Ltd., and President of the Incorporated Master Builders Association of Jamaica as Chairman. The Team has been mandated to complete its findings within three months of its first sitting, or if unable to do so to advise when its final report will be ready.
The Team will carry out a thorough forensic audit of the Sandals Whitehouse project from inception to completion. Areas of review will include but not limited to all contract documentation including the Methodology of Selection and the Contract provision, the impact of external influences on the Project, Project costs and final accounts, performance of Contracted Parties and the standard of Completed Hotel against benchmarked hotels and hotel facilities, the quality of the final product and value of the completed project.
Since the passage of the House Resolution, civil suits have been filed by Gorstew Ltd. and Sandals Whitehouse Management Ltd. against UDC, NIBJ and Ackendown Newtown Development Company seeking damages.
The team has therefore been advised to obtain legal guidance as to how they proceed to discharge their functions without infringement on the rights of the respective parties or the role of the Court in respect of pending litigation. The Solicitor General, Mr. Michael Hylton, QC, will be available to render such legal advice as they may require at any stage of their enquiry.
Instructions are being given to relevant government agencies to make all documents available to the team and for their staff and other personnel to make themselves available for interview and testimony before the Team.
In addition, the Team is authorized to obtain advice from specialists in fields such as Mechanical, Civil and Structural Engineering and Landscaping, Furnishing and Interior Decorating.
Other members of the Team include Mr. Robert Wan, Quantity Surveyor, Partner, BGW Cawston and Partners and Past President of the Jamaica Institute of Quantity Surveyor, Ms. Grace Ashley, Professional Engineer and Past President of the Jamaica Institute of Engineers, Mr. Donald Hayle, Architect, Managing Director, Desmond Hayle & Associates Ltd. and President of the Jamaica Institute of Architect, Mr. Calvin Roach, Quantity Surveyor and Principal of Calvin Roach & Associates.
Dr. Allan G. Kirton, CD, Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Development & Planning will serve as Secretary to the Team with an adequate support staff.
The findings of the Audit will be transmitted to the Public Accounts Committee for its consideration.