Guyana reaffirms zero tolerance for corruption in public procurement

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (DPI) – In an unwavering stance against corruption vice president Dr Bharrat Jagdeo reiterated his commitment to upholding strict procurement laws.

Addressing the media at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown during a press conference on Thursday, Dr Jagdeo emphasised the importance of adherence to the Procurement Act and the necessity for fairness in awarding contracts.

Vice President Dr Jagdeo highlighted that public officials must comply fully with procurement regulations to preserve the government’s pledge to a transparent and fair bidding process; and called on officials to declare any conflicts of interest and refrain from participating in bids involving their close associates, warning that any attempts to exploit the system for personal gain would be met with strict measures.

“This will not be tolerated,” Dr Jagdeo stated, noting public concerns about officials involved in procurement processes while companies managed by their relatives or friends were bidding. Such instances, he said, have led to allegations of unfair practices and dissatisfaction among the public.

Dr Jagdeo reaffirmed that the government of Guyana is dedicated to ensuring equitable distribution of procurement opportunities, including fostering local contractor capacity. He also outlined consequences for contractors who miss deadlines or deliver substandard work, which could include financial penalties or blacklisting.

To reinforce these measures, Dr Jagdeo announced the deployment of technical teams to monitor compliance and provide training for public officers engaged in procurement processes at regional and national levels.

“There should be no excuse for ignorance of the procurement laws of the country”, he asserted as he underscored the government’s commitment to integrity and transparency.

Comparing the current administration’s approach to the former PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition government, Dr Jagdeo stressed the significant difference in tackling procurement issues, assured that the PPP/C government’s interventions are resulting in increased opportunities for small contractors, thereby contributing to their development and capacity-building.

Dr Jagdeo’s message on procurement integrity has been consistent, including during recent outreach events in Essequibo and Regions 5 and 6, where he and his colleagues, senior minister with responsibility for finance and public sector, Dr Ashni Singh and minister of public works Bishop Juan Edghill, warned of severe repercussions for those found influencing contract awards for personal or familial gain.

Government investments now reviving the Berbice economy

Meanwhile, Dr Jagdeo highlighted the impact of the current administration’s regional investments and programmes, particularly in Berbice.

The previous coalition government’s policies severely affected the local economy, particularly due to the dismissal of thousands of sugar workers and the imposition of numerous taxes, which led to a significant reduction in disposable income.

“Disposable income was cut significantly in Berbice; that is why it [the economy] was practically dying. There was malaise…people were looking for jobs [and] they could not find,” Dr Jagdeo recalled.

However, the current administration is implementing various projects and investments to revive the economy. The revival is evident, as labour is now scarce, especially in the poultry and fishing industries, indicating increased opportunities for the local workforce.

The government has successfully reemployed many individuals in the sugar industry and initiated part-time job programmes, creating more employment opportunities for residents.

Additionally, the government is focusing on creating jobs through the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector by establishing call centres in various locations in Region Six. This has led to hundreds of individuals being gainfully employed in the BPO sector.

“It is a different place today,” he said, emphasising that residents are earning more disposable income in that region, a stark contrast to what occurred during the former APNU+AFC Coalition government’s tenure in office. 

Significant infrastructure projects are underway, such as the construction of a modern, four-lane highway connecting New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek, and the development of a deep-water port.

Over US$100 million has been budgeted for a four-lane highway this year, which will see upgrading and widening works commencing on the Palmyra to Crabwood Creek section of the carriageway.

This thoroughfare will transform the region as it will provide a means to transport goods and services. These projects are expected to transform the region’s transportation and facilitate potential growth in the oil and gas industry.

“That four-lane road would be crucial in moving goods and services along that corridor. We believe that there would be more migration of the oil and gas industry to that region,” Dr Jagdeo further explained.

Moreover, large-scale projects including the construction of modern hospitals, a stadium, and an oil refinery are in progress, which are set to further enhance the region’s infrastructure and services.

Furthermore, the energy landscape is being transformed with the installation of solar farms in Regions Two, Five, and Six, with a substantial investment of US$83.3 million.

These initiatives are contributing to an improved economy in Regions Five and Six, with residents experiencing a significant increase in disposable income and witnessing a positive transformation in various sectors.

Similar undertakings are being rolled out in all ten administrative regions across Guyana.