Uncertainty Surrounds Future of Chief Transport Officer Position

Will Dian Vasquez return as the Chief Transport Officer (CTO) within the Ministry of Transport after her contract expired? That’s what we asked the Minister of Transport, Rodwell Ferguson. Vasquez’s contract recently came to an end after serving in the position for two years. However, Ferguson says whether she will return is up to the Ministry of Finance. He explained that Vasquez may not have been pleased with their offer and is seeking other options. 

Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transport: “Let’s be very realistic. When you have a contract, then you negotiate the term of your contract and so the person who is offering you the contract will decide if what you want to negotiate, if they are going to agree with it. They normally will throw the figure to you, and you will decide if you want to take it or leave it. I know the Ministry of Finance is the one responsible for contracts and so they negotiated with the CTO. I guess she refused what they offered her. And she has a right to decide if she wants it or doesn’t want it. So at this point in time, there is no Chief Transport Officer. Mr. Peter Williams is acting as the Chief Transport Officer. I already told my CEO, I do not want to decide who will be the next Transport Officer. They will go to the Ministry of Public Service and advertise within the Public Service to see who best fits that criteria.”

Vasquez recently came under scrutiny after Transport CEO, Adele Catzim Sanchez, sent her a letter questioning the procurement of license plates that saw one hundred and eight thousand eight hundred being provided to the Sign Factory. Catzim-Sanchez questioned Vasquez on what procurement practices were utilized, as it relates to compliance with the Financial Orders, and Stores Orders. She also urged Vasquez to provide a copy of the approval received for the procurement of the license plates for the Transport Department. Notably, Minister Ferguson has kept rather tight-lipped on the issue and has refused to comment on the matter.