Laptop Kickbacks???

Computer manufacturer giant Hewlett Packard (HP) to pay a US55 Million fine to settle a federal investigation into allegations of kickbacks for government contracts as reported by eWeek.com.

The government of Trinidad and Tobago has presently contracted HP to supply Laptops for its Laptop for SEA students program. Many have raised concerns about this and have questioned the process, the specs, the cost etc.

The government on their part have attempted to allay the concerns of citizens, the Prime Minister, in response to concerns have indicated that all is well.

"I can assure you there has been no kickback to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, or to anyone in Trinidad and Tobago. That I can give you the assurance on. So whatever is happening there, I'm sure there will be investigations according to law," Persad-Bissessar said in Tobago where she and her cabinet are holding a retreat.

"I see people sending out things that we can buy an HP for $300, and we are paying $400 or $500. We are not just buying an HP we are buying a package that will give a guarantee for damage, loss or repair," she said.
She added, "Secondly the firewalls that will go up and thirdly the software that will go into the HP. So it's not just you buying a flat HP with the normal windows, it's far more than that and my Minister of Education will be taking some time to explain why it cost more than if you walked into the United States and bought one."

In light of the settlement by HP, how confident can we be that all is well. Madam PM, con you really afford the population the confidence that everything is in fact above board.