When the National Democratic Party wrote to Governor Boyd McCleary last year to request an investigation into government’s relationship with Biwater, they wanted Mr. McCleary to look into “the process by which the Biwater contract was awarded:” Instead, they got a defence of the contract, NDP leaders said on the party’s radio programme on Monday.

“I for one thought that the governor seemed to rendering an opinion as to whether he thought the contract was good or bad,” said Archibald “Archie” Christian, who was hosting the show.

Opposition Leader Dr. Orlando Smith said he had a particular problem with Mr. McCleary’s assessment of Biwater as a reputable company that has performed well in the past and can be expected to perform well in the Virgin Islands. In his March 23 response to a group of residents who also requested an inquiry, Mr. McCleary cites a background check by Baker Tilly, government’s financial advisor in the Biwater negotiation, and searches of the Major Companies Database as sources for his assessment.

But reports that NDP officials have read indicate the company has “had difficulty in many areas,” Dr. Smith said.

See the April 7, 2011 edition for full coverage.