We, citizens of Guyana, continue to witness the callousness and the presumption with which this incumbent PPP/C dictatorial regime continue to do whatsoever it very well pleased with the nation’s wealth and citizens money. This government behaves as if the national purse is its personal credit card to “max out”. The saga of the Schoonord Highway construction project is, perhaps, the latest example of the government believing that this country is its personal fiefdom.
In the extant very troubling climate where public trust is paramount, the recent award of the contract for the Schoonord Highway construction project raises worrying questions about governance under the Ali administration. Rather than fostering transparency, this decision has triggered skepticism and concerns about the adherence to the Public Procurement Act- a crucial framework designed to ensure fairness and accountability in government contracting.
Whilst the government continues to promote this project as a significant infrastructure development the process leading to the contract award has been anything but transparent. That decision- making process lacks the clarity and accountability necessary to reassure the public that the best interests of taxpayers are being prioritised.
I would argue that as the man who appears to known and be involved in all things, much more than the President of this country, that Jagdeo has a responsibility to provide tangible evidence demonstrating compliance with the Public Procurement Act.
This means publishing detailed procurement documents, ensuring fair competition, and engaging in comprehensive stakeholder consultations. Still, to date, the government has failed to convincingly demonstrate that these fundamental principles were upheld during the bidding process. The Vice President must realise that words alone cannot placate the citizens. The public deserves more than vague assurances; they deserve real hard evidence. Therefore, if the government is serious about draining the swamp then it should take the following measures to restore faith in the process:
- Publication of Bidding Documents: All bidding documents should be made publicly accessible, allowing citizens to scrutinise the criteria and processes used to evaluate proposals.
- Transparency in Selection Criteria: The specific criteria used for selecting the contractor must be clearly outlined. How were bids evaluated? What benchmarks/indicators were employed to determine the most suitable candidate?
- Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging local communities and relevant stakeholders in discussions about the project can foster a sense of ownership, care and trust. Public forums should be held to address concerns and gather input.
- Audit of the Process: an independent audit of the procurement process could provide an objective assessment of adherence to the Public Procurement Act. This step is vital in ensuring that any allegations of impropriety are thoroughly investigated.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Jagdeo’s government has repeatedly faced scrutiny over procurement practices, leading to a perception of favourtism and lack of transparency. Just the other day, certain sections of the media reported that one company, New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (NGPC), so far for this year, 2024, received G$70 Billion in contracts. My God! What has happened to the other businesses in this industry? How are they surviving and keep people on staff? How can a single person be awarded such a massive slice of the pharmaceutical pie? We all know who this person is connected to in this country.
Meanwhile, the government refused to pay teachers livable salaries, ignores the cries of public servants for better salaries, and disrespects pensioners by giving them pittance. Many of these senior citizens would have faithfully served their country. Their reward? A few measly dollars from Ministry of Social Security and the National Insurance Scheme.
All of this in the face of a cost- of- living crisis. The prices of certain basic food items are almost prohibitive. Families can barely put food on the table for their children. Yet, the government cannot understand why the majority of our children are doing so poorly in school. They lack nutrition, the lack quality time with their parents who are struggling to put food on the table and pay bills. Parents especially of the working class must sacrifice precious time with their children to make ends meet. This means that many of them are not participating in their children’s education. This means that the burden of the learning process is left up to our teachers, who are already overworked and grossly underpaid, by the government.
How much more shameless and heartless can this government be? Everyday, there are stories of unfair awards of contracts by this crass government to its cronies, friends, families, and party members. No public relations, press conferences, giving small change to a couple of groups, to sweep the sides of roads, and to clear a few drains, here and there, could change the perception and reality of massive corruption, in high and low government circles. No amount of political antics can hide the fact that certain ministers and politicians have so stuffed themselves with the wealth of this nation that they are vomiting on their shoes. How much worse can things get?
The PPP/C must shed this reputation of being a corrupt and commit to upholding good governance, and genuine accountability. Infrastructure projects should serve the people, not enrich a select few. By ensuring a transparent procurement process, the government can not only uphold the law but also restore public confidence in its ability to manage taxpayer money effectively. Indeed, the ward of the Schoonord Highway construction contract is not just a matter of infrastructure; it is a litmus test for the PPP/C’s commitment to governance.
I believe that as Guyanese we deserve a government that operates transparently, adheres to established laws, and prioritises the welfare of the public over personal and political gain. The time for excuses has long passed. It is time for Jagedeo and the PPP/C to step forward with tangible evidence that they are adhering to the principles of the Public Procurement Act.
