‘We have tightened up the system enormously to improve the procurement process’ – Jagdeo

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo stated that the government is actively working to explain the rules and encourage full compliance with the Procurement Act nationwide.

“I’m not saying that there are no problems with the procurement system. You’ve heard us many times speak about this; about corruption in some areas,” Jagdeo said during his weekly press briefing on Thursday at Freedom House in Georgetown.

In response, he explained that the government has recently launched a countrywide discussion on the issue. Alongside Finance Minister Ashni Singh, he visited Essequibo, Berbice, and various other locations to speak with contractors and regional authorities, “laying the rules out.”

He also highlighted that training has been conducted in some regions. “We’ve identified several companies that are linked to public officials and we made it clear that since they hold these positions, they cannot bid in their own name. However, we can’t take away the right to work from their families too, as long as it has nothing to do with their ministry.”

Jagdeo noted that the procurement system has been significantly tightened.

He added that there are now over 2,000 contractors who have started under the People’s Progressive Party, with approximately 500-600 of these being Afro-Guyanese companies that did not exist when the A Partnership for National Unity was in power.

He criticized critics for failing to acknowledge the alleged corrupt practices of the previous administration, including the suspension of tendering processes for contracts.

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In defending the current government, Jagdeo emphasized that the PPP/C has maintained a transparent procurement process, with all contract awards posted online for public scrutiny.

He acknowledged that while issues may still arise, the government has actively condemned attempts to corrupt the system and has implemented measures to ensure compliance with procurement laws.

Jagdeo also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve the procurement process, including regional training and the establishment of clear rules to prevent conflicts of interest, though he noted that the government cannot restrict family members of officials from working in the sector.

“The effort to clean up the system has been enormous,” Jagdeo stated. “For those seeking details on the cleanup and the extent of past corruption, we encourage them to review the facts.”