Vaz Rejects Statements that Unlicensed Company Imported Rural School Buses

Minister Daryl Vaz rejects claims against bus contractor
Transport Minister Daryl Vaz is pushing back against claims that the company El Hydro Limited imported 110 buses without being certified to do so. In an interview, Mr. Vaz clarified that the Ministry of Transport itself is the importer of the buses.

Social media buzz over $1.4 billion contract
The controversy erupted following a Gleaner headline claiming that El Hydro received a $1.4 billion school bus contract despite lacking dealer status. The story quickly gained traction online. In response, Minister Vaz issued a statement denying the allegations, insisting that the ministry—not El Hydro—was responsible for importing the buses.

El Hydro’s role clarified
According to Minister Vaz, El Hydro’s contractual role was to:

• Supply the buses

• Ship, clear, and deliver them to the Ministry

• Receive payment only after delivery

He explained that all import permits are issued in the name of the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport, meaning El Hydro did not require a trade board license.

Minister cites industry experience
Minister Vaz, drawing on his background as the founding president of the Jamaica Used Car Dealers Association, asserted that El Hydro did not need certification as a used car dealer since this was a special government order for buses not intended for resale.

Trade Board letter raises new questions
Despite these assurances, a letter dated May 27, 2025, from the Trade Board chairman to Minister Vaz surfaced. The letter:

• Granted approval to El Hydro to import the 110 buses on behalf of the ministry

• Referred explicitly to “new buses”

Minister Vaz dismissed this letter as an administrative error, clarifying that a letter from the Trade Board does not constitute import permission. Only an import license issued by the Trade Board is legally required for vehicle imports.

Confusion over Trade Board’s communication
Minister Vaz suggested that the Trade Board may have misunderstood the arrangement, possibly assuming that El Hydro would be the direct applicant for the import license. When asked whether his ministry provided additional clarification in response to the Trade Board’s letter, Vaz replied that no such response was needed since he fully understands the system and its processes.