The five commissioners who constitute the Public Procurement Commission were this morning sworn-in by President David Granger. Emily Dodson, Carol Corbin, Sukrishnalall Pasha, Ivor Burnett-English and Nanda Gopaul were sworn-in at the Ministry of the Presidency.
President Granger said the establishment of the PPC is demonstrative of his administration’s respect for the supreme law of the land.
The president reasoned that no matter how intractable partisan differences may seem, the basis for political agreement, consensus and matters of national interest should always be affirmed, pointing to the bi-partisan selection of the commissioners by both members of the National Assembly and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
“The government of Guyana reiterates its commitment to the principles of accountability and transparency in the conduct of public business. The establishment of the Commission is ensuring equity in public procurement” the President said.
President Granger Charged the commissioners to uphold the constitutional duties of the Commission of being independent, impartial and fair.
Meantime, speaking following the swearing in Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan said he is pleased that the decision regarding the awarding of contracts will no longer have oversight by the cabinet.
According to Ramjattan, Contract awarding is an occupational hazard for ministers. He noted too that the Bid Protest Committee will now have to complete the work it has started, but the ultimate decision-making body would be the PPC.
The Commissioners at their first meeting would select a chairman.
