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On November 8, 2021, St8ment Investment Inc was awarded a $346 million contract by the PPP government for the construction of Bamia/Amelia’s Ward Primary School in Region Ten. The company, which was only incorporated in March of 2021, is headed by Rawle Ferguson, Kerwin Bollers of Hits and Jams Entertainment, Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major, and Kassif Muhammed of the Kassif and Shanghai football tournament. The contract was expected to last 20 months, with a completion date set for July 2023.
However, recent reports by AFC MP David Patterson indicate that progress on the project has been slow. According to recent photos taken on Tuesday, January 31st, 2023, it is estimated that no more than 20% of the project has been completed, with less than seven months remaining until the deadline. This has led to concerns about whether the project will be completed on time and if it provides value for money to Region #10.
During the examination of the project’s progress in parliament, the PPP and their supporters have dismissed concerns about the slow progress, making a mockery of the people’s need for answers, instead opting to focus on the oversight by a regional MP.
Concerns are growing across the country about this company’s ability to complete the work and especially in light of the management team’s limited experience in building projects. The question remains, why was this inexperienced company awarded such a large contract?
The slow progress on Bamia/Amelia’s Ward Primary School project raises important questions about the overall allocation of multi-million-dollar contracts and the value they provide to Guyanese taxpayers who are liable for repaying the nation’s debts. The people of Region #10 and the people of Guyana deserve answers and it is crucial that the relevant authorities take steps to ensure that the people’s monies are being well spent.
