Telecommunications Minister says he accepts Auditor General’s position about procurement breaches in relation to acquisition of Starlink devices

He says he accepts the findings of the Auditor General (AG) regarding breaches of the procurement law in relation to the acquisition of Starlink devices, following Hurricane Melissa last year.

The AG’s real time audit of Hurricane Melissa relief initiative noted that the procurement of 2 hundred Starlink devices, valuing $12.12 million was initiated by way of a ministerial instruction, instead of by the Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management.

Mr Vaz has strongly defended his actions which he says were in the best interest of Jamaicans, following the category five hurricane which devastated large parts of the country.

There has been public commentary about the matter.

Mr Vaz reiterated his position at this morning’s post cabinet press briefing.

He indicated the need for a change in the legislation to address procurement issues during emergency situations such as a national disaster.