Unravelled: Tracking The Controversial EWI Deal

The government’s already controversial 381MW project just received another blow as the decision was made to take the contract from Energy World International (EWI), the second place bidder that ascended to the top of to the pile late last year. This was after first-place bidder, Azurest-Cambridge Power (ACP) consortium, suffered a similar fate in October 2013, after failing to meet the deadline to submit the $6.9 million security bond.

The selection of EWI has been shrouded in controversy since day one, amidst concerns that the proper procedures were not followed and outcries about some of Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell’s actions during the process. Here, we have created a timeline of headlines showing how the deal came to be and how it unravelled under intense public scrutiny and sustained outcry. More headlines will be added as the story continues to unfold. Click on the links to read the stories.

1. 360MW PROJECT: Azurest Misses Deadline, OUR Offers Energy World International Opportunity

2. 360MW PROJECT: Contractor General Mum On Energy World International As Preferred Bidder

3. 360MW Rankings Revealed Too Early

4. Energy World Provides OUR Evidence 360MW Bid Bond In Hand

5. BUSINESS: EWI Posts 1% Bid Bond For 360MW Project

6. Energy World International, JPS Execute 20-Year Power Purchase Agreement

7. Disclosure On Energy World International Due Diligence Findings Needed, Says Samuda

8. Gov’t Poised To Disband Energy Monitoring Committee

9. Paulwell Grants License To EWI For 381 Mega Watt Of Electricity 

10. OUR To Make Energy World International Recommendation By Week-End

11. OUR Reviewing EWI Licence

12. Paulwell Says He Will Allow Enough Time For EWI Bond Payment

13. EWI Deposits US$36.85m Performance Bond

14. EWI To Be Held To Strict Timeline

15. Government Prepared To Help EWI Secure Funding – Paulwell

16. Gov’t Plea For EWI – State Considers Approach To IDB As Loan Rejected For 381MW Project

17. EWI Rescue Plan: Paulwell Wants OCG’s Stance Changed To Allow Loan For 381MW Project

18. EWI Licence Provides For Forced Sale Of Assets

19. Former OUR Head: Regulator Has No Role In 381MW Project Bidding Process

20. Holness Writes PM On Handling Of 381MW Project

21. EDITORIAL – Back To Market With Energy Project

22. Break Silence, EWI – Energy Consultant Urges Hong Kong-Based Company To Show Public Its Ability To Implement Project

23. Paulwell Explains 381 MegaWatt Project Decision Again

24. PNP Says EWI The Best Option For Reduced Electricity

25. ‘Drop EWI Or Else’

26. Paulwell Sees ‘No Impropriety’

27. EWI Undaunted – Hong Kong Firm Confident That It Will Deliver Cheaper Electricity To Jamaica, Despite Problems

28. Business Leaders Dissatisfied With Paulwell’s Explanation

29. Third Place Bidder Keeping A Close Watch On 381MW Project

30. Cabinet Discusses Future Of 381MW Project

31. Gov’t Heat On EWI – Paulwell Gives Energy Firm Days To Get House In Order

32. Lights Out For EWI – Firm To Lose 381-Megawatt Power Plant Licence, Project Likely To Be Yanked From Paulwell

33. Investors Not Turned Off By EWI Controversy

34. Paulwell Should Tell All, Analysts Demand

35. OUR Power Play: Regulator Drags OCG To Court Over Disputed Report On 381MW Project Bid Process

36. Energy Path Set – Lawrence Announces Several Initiatives To Replace 381MW Project