OUR silent about assessment of Involution Ltd

The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) is yet to break its silence on revelation that it was asked to conduct a fit and proper assessment of the South African entity that bought controlling shares in local telecoms company Caricel.

Yesterday, Technology Minister Andrew Wheatley revealed that he had asked the OUR to carry out the assessment after the management of Caricel indicated to him in a letter last year that it intended to sell its shares to Involution Limited.

Wheatley said he was yet to receive the report from the OUR and, as a result, had not approved the sale of Caricel's shares to the South African firm.

The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre attempted to get a response from the OUR on the matter this morning, but up to news time had not got it.

Fresh controversy emerged over the sale of Caricel's shares to Involution Limited after it was revealed that no approval was given prior to the sale.

Contractor General Dirk Harrison, who has taken an interest in the transaction, says the Telecommunications Act requires the technology minister to approve the sale before the transaction can be completed.

Harrison has questioned whether Involution Limited has met all the stipulations and conditions mandated by the Cabinet.