Jagdeo again warns public officials against influencing contracts for family, friends
“Declare your interest!” - Jagdeo
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo reiterated on Thursday his call for public officials to comply fully with the country’s Procurement Act and to avoid undermining the government’s goal of ensuring a level playing field.
Speaking to the media in his capacity as General Secretary of the governing party, Jagdeo said he believed these warnings to public officials need to be repeated. Just this past Tuesday, Jagdeo addressed a gathering in Region Six (East Berbice – Corentyne), stating that the government will crack down on those who use their positions to influence contracts for their families and friends.
Jagdeo urged individuals in positions of influence to declare any conflicts of interest and to refrain from participating in the bidding process if their close friends or relatives are involved in the bidding companies.
“This will not be tolerated,” Jagdeo said, stressing the importance of full compliance with procurement laws. He noted that some individuals had been directly involved in the process while bidding companies were headed by their close friends and relatives.
This he said has raised ire among citizens who often feel that the association had unfairly swayed the award in a particular direction.
Jagdeo has taken this message to outreaches in several regions, stating that the government will follow up with technical teams to ensure adherence to legal procedures. This will be supported by training for public officers involved in procurement at both regional and national levels.
“There should be no excuse for ignorance of the procurement laws of the country,” Jagdeo asserted.
He reiterated similar messages delivered in Essequibo, emphasizing the government’s goal to keep procurement opportunities within regions to build capacity among regional contractors, as has been done across Guyana.
Jagdeo also highlighted that contractors who face delays or deliver substandard work could be subject to liquidated damages and, in some cases, blacklisting.
