Government to expand online advertising in push for greater procurement efficiency

Vice President and PPP/C General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo announced on Thursday that the government will increase online advertising of public contracts and pursue reforms to make procurement more efficient, transparent and accessible to all Guyanese.

Jagdeo said the PPP/C identified procurement as a priority issue during the election campaign and is actively implementing changes. “We want procurement to be fairer, to include more small contractors, deliver better quality work, and operate through a transparent system of tendering,” he said.

A key initiative, he explained, will be the launch of a government procurement website next year. The platform will publish all contract opportunities across the country, enabling citizens to access information directly from their phones, rather than relying solely on newspaper advertisements, which cost the Treasury nearly $800 million in 2024 alone.

“The advertisement will remain on the site for the entire duration of the tender period. People can now check procurement opportunities wherever they live, including Amerindian communities,” Jagdeo said.

He added that the government will also use online media outlets more extensively to carry contract advertisements, recognising that these platforms often reach more people than traditional newspapers. “This is a more democratic system and a more efficient use of government funds,” he said, while anticipating complaints from some traditional media outlets.

Jagdeo emphasised that the reforms align with President Irfaan Ali’s inaugural address, focusing on transparency, accessibility, and greater efficiency in government operations.