Opposition alarmed Govt issued $865 million contract to “Guyana Critic” after industrial death, failure to meet criteria

The Opposition, a Partnership of National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), said citizens were alarmed and confused when they heard that an $865 million infrastructure contract was awarded to a recently formed company associated with Mikhail Rodrigues, also known as ‘Guyana Critic.’ In a statement, the Opposition said the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government’s friends, family and favourites policy is costing Guyanese dearly, highlighting they were further alarmed when, a few days after this announcement, a worker was crushed to death on the worksite of that same company.

“Guyanese are entitled to a safe workplace and government contracts should only be awarded to those who comply with relevant safety laws, regulations and standards. We need to see the results of the Ministry of Labour’s investigation into this tragedy so the public knows the truth.” Further, Member of Parliament David Patterson,  had pointed out Rodrigues’ company did not meet the minimum experience criteria set out in the procurement rules, and brought this matter to the attention of the Public Procurement Commission.

“After the Commission decided to investigate this award, they were denied the relevant information by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, a shocking act of obstruction. This is unacceptable. The Public Procurement Commission, which is a constitutional body, is legally entitled to access documents relating to matters of procurement, from any procuring government entity. It must not be obstructed.”Denying this Commission has not only undermined Guyana’s institutions, it has raised the public’s suspicion even further, the opposition contended.

 “NPTAB hiding the details of the award of a contract for nearly a billion Guyana dollar to a known PPP supporter no less, raises red flags of corruption at the highest levels. It is a classic example of the PPP’s elite, friends, family and favorites policy when it comes to the allocation of the nation’s resources. This must be investigated and those involved held responsible. The PPP cannot be allowed to treat this nation’s resources like their personal bank account.”

Blasting Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, citing his usual disregard for law and order and national institutions, the Opposition situation it is inconceivable that rather than supporting the Public Procurement Commission he would say that that body should not have threatened to go to court over NPTAB’s non-cooperation, but rather asked the President for assistance. Jagdeo seems to believe that Guyana is a dictatorship and that its laws are meaningless.

“The Public Procurement Commission must be treated with respect. Our Courts must be treated with respect. Guyanese must stand up against this casual tyranny, a tyranny which is becoming more prevalent daily.”

Jagdeo’s bizarre attitude, however, has also raised questions about his own involvement in this matter the Opposition pointed out, querying whether he played any role whatsoever in this award, and this too must be investigated so Guyanese know the truth. “Guyanese are reminded of Jagdeo’s words in the Vice documentary, in which he said: ‘Su is my friend. He gets all the support.’ Is the ‘Guyana Critic’ a friend who has received ‘support?’ If so, what exactly was the support? The public needs an answer to this question.”

“It should come as no surprise that Guyanese cannot look forward to good quality, lasting roads, or even a consistent water and electricity supply, if the specter of corruption hangs over public procurement. The PPP’s elite, friends, family and favorites policy is making life worse for ordinary Guyanese, including their own supporters. This has been compounded by the PPP’s consistent efforts to  undermine Guyanese institutions like the Public Procurement Commission and Judiciary. It is clear that their only interest is in enriching themselves at the expense of our dear country.”