Ragoonanan: It’s a witch-hunt

Harry Ragoonanan, who has been suspended forthwith by the People’s National Movement (PNM) on allegations of bid-rigging at a State-owned company, yesterday described as “a witch hunt,” the investigations into his conduct.

Even so, Ragoonanan told Sunday Newsday he suspected he would have been suspended from the party “because it was hinted to me by persons.” The businessman opted not to reveal the names.

Ragoonanan said he believed his suspension stemmed from his involvement in the recommendation of Greek company, Tera Jets, one of the companies which bid to supply two boats for the inter-island sea bridge.

Ragoonanan said he spoke about the issue with Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan while they were on their way to a PNM general council meeting. Ragoonanan said Sinanan is married to his niece.

Ragoonanan claimed he told Sinanan, “Rohan, I see all yuh looking for boats for the sea bridge. So, why yuh don’t let me look around for two good boats.”

Sinanan, he claimed, told him, “I forget you know plenty about boats. Get two good boats for the Government.” According to Ragoonanan, he began searching for boats and found “a couple of good ones” suited for the sea bridge but after careful consideration he recommended Tera Jets.

Ragoonanan said Tera Jets, which operated ferries out of the Mediterranean, tendered for a cargo and passenger vessel for the sea bridge.

“And all was going well with communication to and from persons from the port and then suddenly everything changed.”

He said at one time Tera Jets felt it had the contract “because their boats were very suitable for the job.” However, it was later announced that Bridgemans Services Group had secured the contract.

Ragoonanan said he “washed his hands of the whole thing” but heard rumours that a witch-hunt had been launched against him.

He said he has since spoken with his attorneys about the matter and will be questioning the legality of the PNM’s decision to suspend him.

Ragoonanan said he has been a member of the PNM for the past 60 years and was disappointed at the way he is being treated by the party to which he gave his heart and soul.

Asked by Sunday Newsday if he had any contracts with the PTSC, Ragoonanan said, “No.”

He also said he had not received any contracts from this administration or the former People’s Partnership government.

Ragoonanan said he was a close friend of former prime minister Patrick Manning.

He said he will be waiting with bated breath to appear before the PNM’s disciplinary committee to clear his name. He also claimed he has never been contacted by the police, nor has he been asked to give any statement.

Ragoonanan said he was not even aware he was being investigated for alleged misconduct.