“We have replaced the Governor and Premier’s official cars after over 20 years in service,” said Minister of Public Works Lt. Col. the Hon. David Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP. “We believe this decision represents a prudent investment in our Government fleet.”
The Ministry of Public Works took the decision to replace the Toyota Camry model vehicles as a result of constant breakdowns after more than 20 years in service.
The estimated repairs to each vehicle were approximately $30,000, which was a cost the Ministry could not justify due to their age.
Minister Burch added: “Quite frankly, they needed to be replaced urgently. The Governor’s former vehicle was 23 years old, and the Premier’s car was 21 years old.
“In fact, out of our fleet of 13 Ministerial cars, six are out of service due to maintenance and repairs. The newest Toyota Corolla model vehicle used in the Ministerial fleet is more than 12 years old.
“I can also say that Ministerial cars frequently break down – and in some cases, every week. Replacement parts to carry out the necessary repairs are becoming a challenge to procure due to the age of the vehicle, and can take months to be imported.
“It should be noted that these official cars are not solely used by Government officials and the Governor, but also to transport visiting dignitaries including heads of state.”
The new cars, which should provide more reliable service, were purchased locally and given the custom duty paid to the Government by the importer; the cost to the taxpayer will be under $25,000 each.
The Governor’s car is expected to be delivered today, and the Premier’s by the end of the week.