Following clash with BK International…Willis axed as Haags Bosch Project Manager

Government’s Chief Engineer Walter Willis has been sacked as Project Manager of the Solid Waste Management Programme. The sacking becomes effective this afternoon. The letter under the hand of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Collin Croal, stated that “this decision would provide an opportunity to return to the Ministry of Works.”Croal said that the government has not severed ties with Willis. The decision to sack Willis sprang from the clash between Willis and BK International. A few weeks ago, following claims by BK International that it had imported US$3 million worth of machinery, Willis released photographs of disused and unsalvageable machinery believed to be the US$3 million consignment. A Government source said that Willis and Kaieteur News exhibited gross indiscretion by publishing the photographs. The source said that it was not Willis’s duty to make such a statement—it was a foolish thing. The source said that given the disclosure of the photographs it would not have been in Willis’s best interest to remain as Project Manager of the solid waste programme. His removal was seen as the worst thing that could have happened since he was playing a crucial role to ensure the successful execution of the solid waste project. It was in the government’s interest for Willis to remain there, the source said. BK International had earlier moved to the courts to challenge a report submitted by Willis on the performance of BK International on the Haags Bosch Landfill site. Willis has since procured his own legal team for his defence. In the report, Willis claimed that BK International was non-compliant in relation to the project specifications. Minister Robeson Benn asked to comment on the issue would only say that Walter Willis has always been and remains Technical Adviser to the Works Minister. Willis would say nothing on the issue. He did say that he will have his day in the courts in the BK International suit. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon, when asked about Willis having to seek his own legal representation, said that Willis never informed the administration. But Willis said that he did inform his immediate superior but no response was forthcoming. In order to avoid any penalties he had to seek his own lawyers. The Haags Bosch landfill is not the only facility that will bring him into contact with BK International. There are still some road projects, sea defence projects and the roll on-roll off ferries all being executed by BK International.