Sunday, June 28, 2009
Statement on fertilizer purchase from Logistical Supplies
By Dominica ministry of agriculture
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry finds it necessary to issue a statement on the purchase of fertilizer by the Ministry from Logistical Supply Solutions Inc. in February and November 2007. Certain persons have seen it fit to make allegations which are completely unfounded. They did so without first making any inquiry of the Ministry of Agriculture in order to ascertain the facts.
The Main Allegations
A significant allegation was that the Ministry did not receive a portion of the
fertilizer which it had ordered and paid for. The allegation is patently false. The
other allegation is that the Ministry paid excessive prices. This allegation too is
false. The price paid by the Ministry was determined by (i) the quantity required;
(ii) the time required for shipment and (iii) the quality of the fertilizer ordered.
The Ministry also ordered organic fertilizer which is normally more expensive than
chemical fertilizer.
Some Background Facts
The circumstances which led to the order of fertilizer are straightforward.
This country faced a serious situation with escalating prices for essential and basic
foods and inputs.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry therefore took
a strategic decision, in the face of this imminent world crisis, to urgently boost
local agricultural food production in an effort to ensure that adequate food from
local agriculture would be available in sufficient quantities to counteract the
impending high cost of imported foods.
To achieve this strategy, it was essential
to have, and soon, adequate supplies of inputs for use by farmers - both
commercial and subsistence farmers. This would ensure adequate production and
food security on island, and contribute to the sustainability of the all important
agricultural sector.
The First Order of Fertilizer
In furtherance of these production support programmes, the Ministry of
Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry purchased a quantity of fertilizer from Logistical
Supply Solutions Inc. in February 2007. The first order of fertilizer was purchased
by way of an invoice No 0172 dated 8th February 2007.
The breakdown of the order for 3,225 bags of fertilizer was as follows:
1,000 bags NPK 16-8-24 (50 kg bags)
1,000 bags NPK 15-15-15 (50 kg bags)
1,000 bags Di Ammonium Phosphate (50kg bags)
225 bags Organic Fertilizer.
The total cost of the fertilizer was US $110,012.50 or EC $299,006.86. This
shipment included organic fertilizer, which is more expensive than chemically
based fertilizer. Also, it should be observed that this first shipment was a relatively small consignment.
As a result, the price per bag was higher than would be expected with a much larger consignment such as the second shipment. Payment was made to Andre Dopwell of Logistical Supply Solutions Inc on 12th February, 2007.
All of the fertilizer ordered by the Ministry of Agriculture was received in two shipments in May and July/August 2007. This fertilizer was distributed by the Ministry to farmers free to support local crop production, thereby meeting the important goal of the Ministry, and by extension the Government of Dominica, to assist our farmers and alleviate the burden of high priced agricultural inputs.
The Second Order of Fertilizer
A second order of fertilizer was placed with Logistical Supply Solutions Inc. in
November 2007 following the passage of Hurricane Dean (August 2007). It is
important that we recall the considerable damage to the agricultural sector caused
by Dean.
This urgent order of inputs was intended specifically to support the rapid
rehabilitation of crops in the agricultural sector which were destroyed by the
Hurricane. The fertilizer was purchased based on Invoice No11142007 dated 14th November 2007.
The breakdown of the second order was for the following:
375 tons NPK 15-15-15
350 tons NPK 16-8-24
350 tons NPK 12-12-17
175 tons White Lime.
The total cost of this order was US $612,805 or EC $1,664,929.90. Because of the
large quantities involved, the price per bag was less than in the first order. Payment was made to Andre Dopwell of Logistical Supply Solutions Inc. on
27th November 2007.
The Ministry requested that the fertilizer be shipped to Dominica in four (4)
shipments as follows:
- Shipment 1 – 375 tons, immediately upon payment
- Shipment 2 – 375 tons , two weeks following shipment 1
- Shipment 3 – 325 tons, three weeks following shipment 2
- Shipment 4 – 175 tons, three weeks following shipment 3.
Due to production problems at the fertilizer plant, and the high demand for
fertilizer at that time, the fertilizer order was received in eight (8) shipments
totaling 1057 tons over a period of seven months.
For the reasons set out below, the amount ordered was reduced from 1250 tons to 1057 tons. The Ministry of Agriculture communicated with Logistical Supply Solutions Inc.
consistently in order to ensure that the fertilizers would be made available to the
farmers in need promptly.
Faxes were therefore sent to the company on the following dates:
- December 12th 2007;
- January 29th 2008;
- February 18th 2008;
- February 29th 2008;
- April 4th 2008;
- June 20th 2008.
These faxes establish that the Ministry was intent on ensuring that the specific
instructions given to the Company were adhered to and that the delivery of the
inputs took place within the time agreed by the Parties.
In response to the Ministry’s Fax dated January 29th 2008, Logistical Supply
Solutions Inc. informed the Ministry of Agriculture that a breakdown at the
fertilizer plant from which the fertilizer was being sourced, would cause delays in
the shipments resulting in increased costs.
The Company also communicated to the Ministry via Faxes dated March 3rd 2008
and May 19th 2008 that there was an increase in the world price for fertilizers and
that it was proving to be expensive and difficult to transport inputs into Dominica.
It is important to note that the Company’s statement made in relation to the
increase in world prices for fertilizers was totally justified by the fact that during 2008, fertilizer prices rose sharply as a result of the increased cost of petroleum products, including fertilizers and increasing demand for some fertilizer
ingredients such as potash.
In fact, global fertilizer prices rose by more than 200% in 2007/2008.Consequently, the quantity of the fertilizer order was reduced by the Ministry from
the 1250 tons originally ordered to 1057 tons in order to take into account and
reflect the higher prices and costs.
The reduced quantity of 1057 tons was received by the Ministry. All of the fertilizer received was distributed free to farmers islandwide for the purpose of replanting their crops destroyed by Hurricane Dean.
It should be therefore clear with the presentation of these facts, that the allegations that the Ministry did not receive all of the fertilizer it requested and alleged excessive prices in relation to the purchase of fertilizer by the Ministry are completely without foundation.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry finds it necessary to issue a statement on the purchase of fertilizer by the Ministry from Logistical Supply Solutions Inc. in February and November 2007. Certain persons have seen it fit to make allegations which are completely unfounded. They did so without first making any inquiry of the Ministry of Agriculture in order to ascertain the facts.
 Dr Colin McIntyre brother of the proprietor of Logistical Supplies was agriculture minister at the time of purchase. |
The Main Allegations
A significant allegation was that the Ministry did not receive a portion of the
fertilizer which it had ordered and paid for. The allegation is patently false. The
other allegation is that the Ministry paid excessive prices. This allegation too is
false. The price paid by the Ministry was determined by (i) the quantity required;
(ii) the time required for shipment and (iii) the quality of the fertilizer ordered.
The Ministry also ordered organic fertilizer which is normally more expensive than
chemical fertilizer.
Some Background Facts
The circumstances which led to the order of fertilizer are straightforward.
This country faced a serious situation with escalating prices for essential and basic
foods and inputs.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry therefore took
a strategic decision, in the face of this imminent world crisis, to urgently boost
local agricultural food production in an effort to ensure that adequate food from
local agriculture would be available in sufficient quantities to counteract the
impending high cost of imported foods.
To achieve this strategy, it was essential
to have, and soon, adequate supplies of inputs for use by farmers - both
commercial and subsistence farmers. This would ensure adequate production and
food security on island, and contribute to the sustainability of the all important
agricultural sector.
The First Order of Fertilizer
In furtherance of these production support programmes, the Ministry of
Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry purchased a quantity of fertilizer from Logistical
Supply Solutions Inc. in February 2007. The first order of fertilizer was purchased
by way of an invoice No 0172 dated 8th February 2007.
The breakdown of the order for 3,225 bags of fertilizer was as follows:
1,000 bags NPK 16-8-24 (50 kg bags)
1,000 bags NPK 15-15-15 (50 kg bags)
1,000 bags Di Ammonium Phosphate (50kg bags)
225 bags Organic Fertilizer.
The total cost of the fertilizer was US $110,012.50 or EC $299,006.86. This
shipment included organic fertilizer, which is more expensive than chemically
based fertilizer. Also, it should be observed that this first shipment was a relatively small consignment.
As a result, the price per bag was higher than would be expected with a much larger consignment such as the second shipment. Payment was made to Andre Dopwell of Logistical Supply Solutions Inc on 12th February, 2007.
All of the fertilizer ordered by the Ministry of Agriculture was received in two shipments in May and July/August 2007. This fertilizer was distributed by the Ministry to farmers free to support local crop production, thereby meeting the important goal of the Ministry, and by extension the Government of Dominica, to assist our farmers and alleviate the burden of high priced agricultural inputs.
The Second Order of Fertilizer
A second order of fertilizer was placed with Logistical Supply Solutions Inc. in
November 2007 following the passage of Hurricane Dean (August 2007). It is
important that we recall the considerable damage to the agricultural sector caused
by Dean.
This urgent order of inputs was intended specifically to support the rapid
rehabilitation of crops in the agricultural sector which were destroyed by the
Hurricane. The fertilizer was purchased based on Invoice No11142007 dated 14th November 2007.
The breakdown of the second order was for the following:
375 tons NPK 15-15-15
350 tons NPK 16-8-24
350 tons NPK 12-12-17
175 tons White Lime.
The total cost of this order was US $612,805 or EC $1,664,929.90. Because of the
large quantities involved, the price per bag was less than in the first order. Payment was made to Andre Dopwell of Logistical Supply Solutions Inc. on
27th November 2007.
The Ministry requested that the fertilizer be shipped to Dominica in four (4)
shipments as follows:
- Shipment 1 – 375 tons, immediately upon payment
- Shipment 2 – 375 tons , two weeks following shipment 1
- Shipment 3 – 325 tons, three weeks following shipment 2
- Shipment 4 – 175 tons, three weeks following shipment 3.
Due to production problems at the fertilizer plant, and the high demand for
fertilizer at that time, the fertilizer order was received in eight (8) shipments
totaling 1057 tons over a period of seven months.
For the reasons set out below, the amount ordered was reduced from 1250 tons to 1057 tons. The Ministry of Agriculture communicated with Logistical Supply Solutions Inc.
consistently in order to ensure that the fertilizers would be made available to the
farmers in need promptly.
Faxes were therefore sent to the company on the following dates:
- December 12th 2007;
- January 29th 2008;
- February 18th 2008;
- February 29th 2008;
- April 4th 2008;
- June 20th 2008.
These faxes establish that the Ministry was intent on ensuring that the specific
instructions given to the Company were adhered to and that the delivery of the
inputs took place within the time agreed by the Parties.
In response to the Ministry’s Fax dated January 29th 2008, Logistical Supply
Solutions Inc. informed the Ministry of Agriculture that a breakdown at the
fertilizer plant from which the fertilizer was being sourced, would cause delays in
the shipments resulting in increased costs.
The Company also communicated to the Ministry via Faxes dated March 3rd 2008
and May 19th 2008 that there was an increase in the world price for fertilizers and
that it was proving to be expensive and difficult to transport inputs into Dominica.
It is important to note that the Company’s statement made in relation to the
increase in world prices for fertilizers was totally justified by the fact that during 2008, fertilizer prices rose sharply as a result of the increased cost of petroleum products, including fertilizers and increasing demand for some fertilizer
ingredients such as potash.
In fact, global fertilizer prices rose by more than 200% in 2007/2008.Consequently, the quantity of the fertilizer order was reduced by the Ministry from
the 1250 tons originally ordered to 1057 tons in order to take into account and
reflect the higher prices and costs.
The reduced quantity of 1057 tons was received by the Ministry. All of the fertilizer received was distributed free to farmers islandwide for the purpose of replanting their crops destroyed by Hurricane Dean.
It should be therefore clear with the presentation of these facts, that the allegations that the Ministry did not receive all of the fertilizer it requested and alleged excessive prices in relation to the purchase of fertilizer by the Ministry are completely without foundation.
| | Home Page | Dominica |Welcome Message | Prior Issues|Flag and Symbols | Dominica Constitution | Bulletin Board |Contact Us |Local Headlines |Discussion Board |Radio & TV |Cricket | Current Issue |
// posted by TheDominican.net @ 2:27 PM
Comments:
Links to this post:
<< Home
This is just so much spin. Are we to believe that the SAME gentleman who made half a million in profit from the garbage bin BOBOL did not benefit from selling fertilizer to his brother?
By the way, the fertilizer is way cheaper in Venezuela!
Come better than that DLP...thank God you guys are on your way out!!!
By the way, the fertilizer is way cheaper in Venezuela!
Come better than that DLP...thank God you guys are on your way out!!!
# posted by 
: June 28, 2009 2:46 PM
: June 28, 2009 2:46 PM
Spin is the right word, the fertilizer purchase was merely a practice run for the bins, but like most who conspire together topple when the weakest link gets careless, and there are some in the learned professions who know just who that is, and I predict soon and very soon the avarice, greed, and profusion against all sensible mental reservations will be fully exposed,
And the result of the get rich quick syndrome will be the undoing of those individuals who need undoing and those exposures will be the greatest benefit that Dominica will have experienced in many years, for they will be finished then Dominica can proceed as it should
And the result of the get rich quick syndrome will be the undoing of those individuals who need undoing and those exposures will be the greatest benefit that Dominica will have experienced in many years, for they will be finished then Dominica can proceed as it should
# posted by : June 28, 2009 4:28 PM
: June 28, 2009 4:28 PM
Oh God...Oh God,,,Please save Dominica from these bubch of liars, deciivers and lis and thieves. Andre Dopwell is NOT an established bussinessman and he has disappeared from the surfce of th earth, so has Tony Astaphan. "Only in Doninica" (sounds likea calypso song) can this happen and our people just stand by and look. The money is well shared and some pockets and accounts are heavy and nice while poor people mstruggle and are sent to the red clinic. Por Dominique.
# posted by : June 28, 2009 9:59 PM
: June 28, 2009 9:59 PM
Clearly this Andre Dopwell lost a whole lot on the second shipment. Fertilizer prices rose from US$474 per ton for Physically mixed fertilizers and US$ 490 per ton for Chemically mixed fertilizer in 2007 to US$936 and US$971 per ton respectively by March 2008.
Also the freight costs had increased from US 3000.00 for a forty foot contanier to US$6000.00 in 2008.
All this happened as a result of the significant increases in the prices for petroleum products including fertilizers.
It is logical to me without making excuses that Mr. Dopwell used the money for the bins to supplement the increase in prices for the fertilizers. This would be the wrong thing to do but it is rather logical.
Also the freight costs had increased from US 3000.00 for a forty foot contanier to US$6000.00 in 2008.
All this happened as a result of the significant increases in the prices for petroleum products including fertilizers.
It is logical to me without making excuses that Mr. Dopwell used the money for the bins to supplement the increase in prices for the fertilizers. This would be the wrong thing to do but it is rather logical.
# posted by : June 29, 2009 10:09 AM
: June 29, 2009 10:09 AM
Please, read mr. Walter's statemnet very carefully. Mr. Dopwell did not lose on this deal. By mr. Walter's account the order was reduced to compensate the supplier. He kept the money we sent him and we received a reduced quantiy of fertilizer....what a kind and accommodating customer we are!
# posted by : June 29, 2009 5:13 PM
: June 29, 2009 5:13 PM
Clearly Matthew Walter, you do not understand one thing you said or read in that response to the fertilizer scam. How do you expect that to pass as a response. Not even the Pigs you keep, intelligent as they are, would understand the drivel, Mr. Walter. A BIG BOBOL took place and this Skerrit administration MUST account for it... Bring on the elections...
# posted by : June 29, 2009 5:28 PM
: June 29, 2009 5:28 PM
Ok for you two guys above lets do the maths.
1250 tons totalling US$612,805 works out to be US$490.00 per ton on average. Mr. Dopwell sends 1057 tons at US$936 per ton on aveerage making a total of US$989,352. In this scenario he would have paid an amount of US$376,547 more than the US$612,805 he originally received.
The case made by an earlier subscriber that Andre Dopwell lost money on the transaction is a valid possibility which should not be discarded.
1250 tons totalling US$612,805 works out to be US$490.00 per ton on average. Mr. Dopwell sends 1057 tons at US$936 per ton on aveerage making a total of US$989,352. In this scenario he would have paid an amount of US$376,547 more than the US$612,805 he originally received.
The case made by an earlier subscriber that Andre Dopwell lost money on the transaction is a valid possibility which should not be discarded.
# posted by : June 29, 2009 6:36 PM
: June 29, 2009 6:36 PM
PS
It could be very well we all have accused Mr. Skerrit of Bin Bobol prematurely and Unnescessary before having all the facts. We must be magnimous enough to recognise that.
It could be very well we all have accused Mr. Skerrit of Bin Bobol prematurely and Unnescessary before having all the facts. We must be magnimous enough to recognise that.
# posted by : June 29, 2009 6:41 PM
: June 29, 2009 6:41 PM
Either Skerrit LIED, OR McIntyre LIED! Skerrit said that the Minister for Agriculture Collin McIntyre, had NEVER had anything to do with Dopwell, his brother, before the Bin Bobol! Now how do you spend over 300 thousand dollars in a Minister's Ministry, in a poor country like Dominica, right under his straight English nose, for an important commodity such as fertilizer, and he knows nothing about it. Somebody IS LYING! Somebody is MISLEADING and there HAS to BE CORRUPTION lurking somewhere! So no arguimnet can change that. Got to GO! All the CORRUPT ones!
# posted by : June 30, 2009 7:41 AM
: June 30, 2009 7:41 AM
Well proper authority in the USA will reveal the truth of the matter wont it, I wonder why there is no refund could it be that Skerrits friend and partner in bobol has had his account suspended at the Susquehana Patriot Bank High and Hanover Street Pottstown Pennsylvania suspended due to lawful investigation,
I wonder to myself what ever else they have found yes we will see the truth of the matter, no point in giving Dopwell a diplomatic Passport to get himself out of the mess is there it's "toooooooooo late now to be sorry" as the song goes. cant do an Ambrose either on this one like he did in Puerto Rico, using Dominicas Diplomatic passport priviledge to get himself out of being arrested as the the bag man with all the money is it, nice one America keep it up boys.
I wonder to myself what ever else they have found yes we will see the truth of the matter, no point in giving Dopwell a diplomatic Passport to get himself out of the mess is there it's "toooooooooo late now to be sorry" as the song goes. cant do an Ambrose either on this one like he did in Puerto Rico, using Dominicas Diplomatic passport priviledge to get himself out of being arrested as the the bag man with all the money is it, nice one America keep it up boys.
# posted by : July 1, 2009 6:19 PM
: July 1, 2009 6:19 PM
I just cannot believe how on the premise of good governance and accountability we Dominicans become blind and condone malpractice, someone we will severely spank our children for. We will spank them for poor performance at school, we will spank them for stealing from the cookie jar, which is an act of theft. Yet, for fame, like the bully in the school yard we cheer and accept such behaviour. When no longer will this be allowed, we wil kick out Skerrit and this labnour party come next election. It is a shame how our country has deteriorated so low.
# posted by : July 2, 2009 5:27 PM
: July 2, 2009 5:27 PM
YES WHO OWNS THAT ACCOUNT IN JERSEY AND WHY ARE YOU DEALING WITH CONVICTED LOW DOWN SCUM MONEY LAUNDERERS JULIEN GIRAUD LOOK WHAT HAPPENED TO AMBROSE THROUGH DEALING WITH HIM, BUT BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGRTHER. BUT THERE IS A HAWK IN THE WINGS JUST WAITING TO GET YOU AND THEY WILL AS SURE AS NIGHT FOLLOWS DAY.
RESIGN NOW FOR WE ARE ON TO YOU SO IS PROPER AUTHORITY YOUR DAYS ARE DONE WITH AND THAT IS A BLESSING FOR DOMINICA GO NOW TODAY WOULD BE GOOD MR ARCHITECT OF CORRUPTION. GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO
RESIGN NOW FOR WE ARE ON TO YOU SO IS PROPER AUTHORITY YOUR DAYS ARE DONE WITH AND THAT IS A BLESSING FOR DOMINICA GO NOW TODAY WOULD BE GOOD MR ARCHITECT OF CORRUPTION. GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO
# posted by : July 4, 2009 8:00 PM
: July 4, 2009 8:00 PM
yes sooner the better do you think that we have forgotten traitor!!!!! for that is what you are are, you planning to cross the floor again are we, for if you are there are no vacancies for bad people and you are a bad person, shame on you and your half brother in hiding IN THE MISTY WOODS OF PENNSYLVANIA.and it is true your sins will find you out, you hide behind the good name of your office as does Skerro but we are nearly there lets see what europol turn up in that account for they will so GO better still emigrate.
# posted by : July 4, 2009 8:27 PM
: July 4, 2009 8:27 PM Links to this post:
<< Home
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
Post a Comment
Please Provide Opinions and Comments on This Article.