Cox queries Ewatski link to private plane firm

Deputy Commissioner of Police Jack Ewatski was “fraternising” last year with directors of the T&T Air Support Company Ltd which is being contracted by the police for a light aircraft unit, PNM MP Donna Cox claimed yesterday. Cox called for explanations on the situation in the House of Representatives yesterday while piloting a motion for Government to cease dismantling security systems. Cox read out e-mails between T&T Air Support Company (TTASC) directors which referred to Ewatski, to flying with “Jack” and to “sealing the deal” with the TTPS” (T&T Police Service.) The PNM lady vice chairman called on Government to explain, saying the  Prime Minister’s National Security Adviser could probably assist with this.

Cox noted Government’s dismantling of various security units including the blimp airship. Cox said the police service had signed a letter of intent in September with T&T Air Support Company (TTASC) to provide light airplane policing assistance. And Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs had signed a contract  with the company last December. The policing project would be done with TTASC’s Zenith CH 750 light aircraft which have to be assembled, Cox noted. Cox queried whether the contract had been put out for tender. Cox noted a T&T Guardian’s exclusive article on January 7 which highlighted the light airplane deal with TTASC in which Ewatski had confirmed the police would be doing a short term pilot project with light aircraft “in the next couple weeks.” The article stated that consideration was being given for TTASC to handle the police pilot project.

 It also noted that the police service wrote TTASC last September on the  move. A 12-week pilot project was proposed at a contract cost of US$140,400 (TT$902,772)—facts Cox also cited yesterday. The T&T Guardian had also reported that TTASC’s managing director was Dirk Barnes, of Tacarigua. Yesterday, Cox said Barnes had been at the National Security Ministry at one time. Cox said another TTASC director was Dan Condon who she claimed was being investigated by authorities of another government. A third TTASC director is David Lewis of Label House, Cox added. Citing e-mails, Cox queried whether Ewatski was fraternising with TTASC directors in July 2011, and his role in the contract issue.

Quoting from an e-mail between two directors dated June 5, 2011, Cox read:
“Made contact with Ewatski, he wants to go flying with me. I think this can seal the deal with the TTPS.”’ Cox said the TTPS was the T&T police service Cox said another July 2, 2011 e-mail between TTASC’s Condon and Barnes stated “I’ve been talking to Ewatski, he wants to fly...” Another email dated July 3, 2011, stated ‘The flight was great,” Cox noted. The July e-mail  referred to a “2.7 and 2.1...which Jack and I flew in early June.” Cox noted. PP Works Minister Jack Warner then interjected, “Which Jack?” Cox with laughter added, “For once it’s not the MP for Chaguanas West—it’s not Jack Warner.”

Cox said that since last June and July the TTASC directors had been talking to Ewatski. She added, “You see why they got rid of the airship..? Why they had to discard it for a deal that smacks of corruption?!” Cox said “the same Ewatski” who was quoted as  “wanting to fly” was also quoted in the January 7 Guardian report saying the police service was now exploring light aircraft options. Criticising the size of the light aircraft, Cox said they were “dollyhouse” planes and a waste of taxpayers’ money. Cox added “ What is this Government’s  obsession with planes and helicopters? One minister wants to use planes to find squatters and the Prime Minister uses helicopters as a taxi service!” Cox also noted reports that PP’s Rupert Griffith had rebuked National Security Minister John Sandy in a recent e-mail. Sandy later queried if it was legal for Cox to have the e-mails she had referred to. On Guardian reports of being stripped of portfolio aspects, Sandy said, “Sometimes it’s not good to  believe everything you read in the press.”

Top cop responds

Following PNM MP Donna Cox’s statements in Parliament, Deputy Police Commissioner Jack Ewatski said via release last night:
“The TTPS has entered into an agreement to lease a light aircraft to evaluate the capability of this unique type of fixed-wing aircraft in support of our law enforcement aviation programme which has been in place since April 2011. “Our air-support unit has been using helicopters from the former SAUTT to support our ground operations. This unit has been instrumental in assisting in the arrest of numerous people. “The light aircraft will be equipped with similar technology as in the helicopters and due to its ability to fly at a very slow speed even compared to traditional fixed wing aircraft may be an alternative to helicopters which are much more costly to maintain.” He said the evaluation period lasts 12 weeks.