The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) successfully defended against 11 complaints filed by NH International with the Office of Procurement Regulation (OPR). The OPR upheld HDC’s decision to exclude the firm from a $3.48 billion procurement exercise for 3,700 housing units.
See full Media Release below:
The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has emerged victorious in the eleven (11) complaints filed
by NH International with the Office of Procurement Regulation (OPR).
NH International filed 11 legal applications for review by the OPR, over its decision to exclude NH
International from the procurement exercise for 3,700 housing units for building and infrastructure,
involving the selection of multiple contractors, in the total sum of Three billion, four hundred eighty-one
million, two hundred thousand, two hundred and twenty-one Trinidad and Tobago dollars, and fortyone cents (TTD $3,481,200,221.41).
The OPR’s legal tribunal delivered 11 rulings this morning, dismissing each complaint filed by NH
International “for failing to comply with the requirements of Section 50(2)(a) of the Public Procurement
and Disposal of Public Property Act, 2015 (as amended) and Regulation 4(b) of the Public Procurement
and Disposal of Public Property (Challenge Proceedings) Regulations 2021”.
HDC is pleased with the outcome of this matter and is confident that, at all periods of time, it has acted
in the public’s interest. It is acutely aware of the fact that there is a critical shortage of affordable
homes on the market and is committed to delivering quality homes at a cost that the average citizen can
afford. It recognises that there will always be disappointed contractors but will continue to assiduously
pursue its mandate to alleviate the housing crisis. The HDC understands and empathises with their
frustration and angst.
HDC gives the assurance that it is committed to the rule of law, and fully respects the authority and
jurisdiction of the OPR. The HDC, therefore, welcomes and respects any guidance in the interest of good
governance but will not be deterred in its quest to provide quality, affordable homes to deserving
members of the public.
HDC was represented in this matter by a team of attorneys from Freedom Law Chambers, led by Anand
Ramlogan SC, Ganesh Saroop and Aaron Regault.
NH International was represented in this matter by a team of Shari Fitzpatrick of Maris Stella Chambers,
instructed by Cavan Byrme of Byrne & Byrme.