Citizens were alarmed and confused when they heard that an $865 million infrastructure contract was awarded to a recently formed company associated with the individual known as “Guyana Critic.”
Member of Parliament David Patterson who wrote to the Public Procurement Commission on the contract, noted that this company did not meet the minimum experience criteria set out in the procurement rules.
He brought this matter to the attention of the Public Procurement Commission. After the Commission decided to investigate this award, they were denied the relevant information by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, a shocking act of obstruction.
The Public Procurement Commission, which is a constitutional body, is legally entitled to access documents relating to matters of procurement, from any procuring government entity. It must not be obstructed.
Denying this Commission has not only undermined Guyana’s institutions, it has raised the public’s suspicion even further.
NPTAB hiding the details of the award of a contract for nearly a billion dollars, to a known PPP supporter, raises red flags of corruption at the highest levels. It is a classic example of the PPP’s elite, friends, family and favorites policy when it comes to the allocation of the nation’s resources.
This must be investigated and those involved held responsible. The PPP cannot be allowed to treat this nation’s resources like their personal bank account.
This situation would be bad enough, but, as usual, second Vice President Jagdeo has demonstrated once again that the PPP has no regard for law and order and national institutions.
It is inconceivable that rather than supporting the Public Procurement Commission he would say that that body should not have threatened to go to court over NPTAB’s non-cooperation, but rather should have asked the President for assistance.
Jagdeo seems to believe that Guyana is a dictatorship and that its laws are meaningless. The Public Procurement Commission must be treated with respect. Our Courts must be treated with respect. Guyanese must stand up against this casual tyranny, a tyranny which is becoming more prevalent daily.
Jagdeo’s bizarre attitude, however, has also raised questions about his own involvement in this matter. Jagdeo must say whether he played any role whatsoever in this award, and this too must be investigated so Guyanese know the truth.
Guyanese are reminded of Jagdeo’s words in the Vice documentary, in which he said: “Su is my friend. He gets all the support.” Is the “Guyana Critic” a friend who has received “support?” If so, what exactly was the support? The public needs an answer to this question.
It should come as no surprise that Guyanese cannot look forward to good quality, lasting roads, or even a consistent water and electricity supply, if the specter of corruption hangs over public procurement. The PPP’s elite, friends, family and favorites policy is making life worse for ordinary Guyanese, including their own supporters.
This has been compounded by the PPP’s consistent efforts to undermine Guyanese institutions like the Public Procurement Commission and Judiciary. It is clear that their only interest is in enriching themselves at the expense of our dear country. (From the PNCR)
