Contract going off-island a 'scandal'

AWARDING a major building contract to a Guernsey firm was described as 'a scandal' at yesterday's Alderney States meeting.

Peter Allen (pictured) said allowing JW Rihoy to build the New Connaught Care Home proved the States was 'naive', 'gullible' and 'out of touch'.

'I am actually shaking because I am so angry about this,' said Mr Allen.

'It is a scandal when the rest of Europe is pouring money into their own economies to help their own people that we are helping to stimulate Guernsey's economy and not our own.

'The States is out of touch and naive. I cannot believe the gullibility.'

John Beaman claimed that awarding the Connaught contract to the lowest local tender, submitted by JFW Main, would have boosted Alderney's economy to the tune of £3.5m. over five years. He also said employing a local firm would have secured 20 jobs and sent a message to islanders that the States was doing all it could to support them.

Colin Williams said the decision to choose Rihoy's - which submitted a tender of £2.11m. as opposed to Main's £2.29m. - was simply good government.

He went on to say that a large percentage of the contract would be spent off-island anyway and that whoever won the business was obliged to use local labour wherever possible.