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Jagdeo warns public officers against soliciting bribes to expedite payments for contractors Sep 26, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo issued a stern warning to the heads and accounting officers of public sector agencies, reaffirming government’s commitment to enforcing strict compliance with procurement rules. Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo In an open and candid discussion, Jagdeo made it clear that any departure from these regulations would not be tolerated. During a meeting held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center on Tuesday,  Jagdeo stressed that the government prioritises transparency and accountability in the execution of public projects. The meeting brought together key figures, including Permanent Secretaries, Regional Executive Officers, and senior officials from agencies such as the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. etc. Jagdeo acknowledged the challenges agencies face in managing the country’s “unprecedented” Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP). While commending public servants for successfully implementing the majority of projects, despite resource constraints, he expressed concern over issues in procurement practices. Jagdeo highlighted that 95% of public projects are completed successfully and in compliance with procurement rules. However, he criticized the Parliamentary Opposition for focusing disproportionately on the problematic 5%, making it appear as though failures are widespread. “We want a fair procurement system,” Jagdeo reiterated, emphasizing the need to address the five per cent of problematic contracts that fall short of required standards. He pointed out that there have been some deviations from the Procurement Act and the Standard Bidding Document despite the time and effort spent developing these advanced legislative frameworks. Jagdeo stressed that all public officials must familiarize themselves with the Procurement Act and Standard Bidding Documents, and fully comply with the rules. On the rare occasion, should the need arise to depart from the Standard Bidding Documents, it should only occur with prior approval from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). Moving forward, he said, officials will be evaluated on their adherence to these guidelines. Jagdeo also criticized instances where there has been deliberate slowing down of project implementation by some agencies, which leads to a year-end rush and is then used to justify sole sourcing of contracts. He called for early planning and execution, ensuring that NPTAB grants sole sourcing approvals only under exceptional circumstances, which must be clearly detailed to Cabinet. The Vice President made it clear that this practice must be curtailed. Additionally, Jagdeo highlighted the potential manipulation of the three-quote system, warning that it must be used sparingly and within a controlled environment to preserve the integrity of the bids. He also expressed concern about the increasing use of restrictive tendering by some ministries, often without valid justification. While restrictive tendering may be necessary for complex projects, Jagdeo cautioned that it should not be used to favor specific contractors and called on NPTAB to closely scrutinize any requests for such tenders. Referring to some reports of corruption, Jagdeo condemned instances where bribes are being solicited to expedite payments for completed work, urging agency heads to remain vigilant. He emphasized that such practices ultimately damage the government’s reputation, as those paying bribes often blame the administration for these corrupt activities. He urged accounting officers to be more vigilant, moving forward. The Vice President pointed out too that there are a few cases where several members from one family may have companies registered with them, and they all bid for contracts. Acknowledging that this may be difficult to identify, he urged accounting officers to be wary of this and ensure vigilance. Jagdeo further noted that some contracts include unnecessary items, such as vehicles and computers, which inflate costs by tens of millions. He warned that such additions are not allowed and disclosed that where discovered these have been corrected.  Moving forward, he urged that accounting officers to ensure that contracts focus solely on essential project deliverables and not be used for the comfort of their own agencies. In addition, Jagdeo addressed the misuse of contingency sums set aside for projects, stressing that these resources are subject to approval and are not for the discretionary use of engineers, nor are contractors entitled to it. He revealed that several engineers have been fired for approving substandard projects that led to government payments for work not completed. The Vice President condemned the inflation of bills and warned that this practice would not be tolerated. He also voiced concerns about conflicts of interest in some Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) and other government agencies, where officials have private companies and are bidding within the agencies where they work. He made it clear that those wishing to be contractors must leave their government positions, as this conflict of interest will be scrutinized closely. According to him, agency heads must engage in better contract administration and stress the importance of penalties for late or shoddy work, including the imposition of liquidated damages.  He made it clear that the government will hold agency heads responsible for these issues. Looking forward, Jagdeo stressed the importance of data-driven decision-making in the public sector to enhance policy effectiveness and combat misinformation. He urged public servants to rely on facts and analysis when making decisions. Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, also participated in the discussions, which included early preparations for the 2025 budget. Jagdeo underscored that transparency and accountability would remain central to the government’s priorities as it continues to execute its ambitious public sector investment plans. The meeting concluded with Jagdeo reaffirming the government’s dedication to delivering its commitments to the people while maintaining a strict watch on procurement practices to prevent inefficiencies and corruption within the system. (DPI) Related Similar Articles

$1.3B for Phase 2 of new CHPA office Sep 26, 2024 News Artist impression of what the office building is expected to look like. Kaieteur News – Phase two of the Office Building for the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), the government will cost some $1.3 billion. This is according to the total account of the three contracts awarded for phase two of the project at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office. Information obtained from its website, NPTAB revealed that phase two will be done in three lots. The contracts awarded for these lots are as follow: Mac Junior International (Lot 1) – $681,938,950; Mac Junior International (Lot 3) – $274,322,400; and N. Balgobin & Sons Contracting Service & Electrical Supply (Lot 2) – $347,023,523, taking the total cost to $1,303,284,873. This publication previously reported that some $570 million was already awarded for the completion of phase one of the project. It was reported that in 2022, the NPTAB had awarded a $570,068,709 contract to Aika General Construction & Hardware Supplies Inc. to execute phase one of the project. Situated at Houston, along the Mandela to Eccles Highway, East Bank Demerara (EBD), the new complex will comprise two buildings – one designated to host the ministry’s secretariat, and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), while the other will serve as the headquarters for the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). Reporting on the progress of the project, the Housing Ministry in March this year stated that the contract sum for the five-storey building complex stands at $570 million, while an additional $171 million contract is in place for a central air conditioning system, taking the total to $741 million. Work on the project was paused for a few weeks due to a delay in construction materials, which has subsequently been resolved, the ministry reported at the time. “I am pleased to say that the issue with materials has been cleared up and the contractor will move ahead with construction and by the first half of this year, the entire frame of the building will be completed and the other components by the end of the year,” Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal said during his visit in March. The Minister further explained that upon completion, all the Ministry’s departments that have been operating in separate buildings will be consolidated at the Houston location. He stated that this centralized approach aims to streamline services, sparing individuals the inconvenience of visiting multiple offices for their transactions. Additionally, the new facility is expected to provide a new level of comfort for staff as well as members of the public. Minister Croal also highlighted other amenities, such as adequate parking for staff and members of the public and a recreational facility for staff. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CH&PA, Sherwyn Greaves at the same visit had mentioned that members of the public will be able to enjoy some amount of privacy and comfort when transacting their business. Kaieteur News understands that the new facility will house in excess of three hundred and twenty (320) staff members and is being constructed on a plot of land measuring approximately 214’ x 407’ (2 acres). The building measures approximately 150 ft in length x 105 ft in width and is designed with a parking area catering to over 100 vehicles. Related Similar Articles

Parika to get $128M fire station Sep 26, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Government will be building a fire station Parika, East Bank Essequibo to the tune of  $128,608,803. The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office that awarded the contract just recently revealed on its website that the project will be executed by LF Global Inc. Kaieteur News understands that funding for the project comes from the Ministry of Home Affairs $44.8 billion budget for 2024. With a fire station at Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara, this new facility is said to be the first in the Parika area which would help improve the operations of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS). Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh had said in this year’s budget presentation that the government has always been committed to building the capacity of the Guyana Fire Service to discharge its important mandate. Further, the importance of the GFS being in a state of constant readiness to respond to threat of loss of property or endangerment of person cannot be overstated. As a result, the government has been upgrading the physical facilities of the Fire Service. Minister Singh disclosed that $545 million was expended in 2023 for infrastructural and maintenance works at fire stations in Leonora, Ogle and Wales as well as the Fire Service Headquarters at D’Urban Park. Related Similar Articles

Man in court for allegedly stealing $2M in cash from money changer  Sep 26, 2024 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News Kaieteur News – A 31-year-old construction worker was granted bail on Wednesday when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on a charge of simple larceny. Jamaul Cromwell is accused of stealing $2 million in cash from money changer, Carl Vonrussum on September 9, 2024, at Longden and American Streets in Georgetown. Cromwell appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty who read the charge to him to which he pleaded not guilty. According to police statements presented in court, Cromwell had previously pawned a motorcycle to Vonrussum at the same location in January 2024. On September 9, Vonrussum parked the said motorcycle, which contained cash secured under the seat. He noticed Cromwell in the vicinity and saw him ride away on the motorcycle. After the incident was reported to the police, an investigation led to Cromwell’s arrest. During questioning, he admitted to riding away with the motorcycle but denied stealing the money. In court, Cromwell expressed remorse, stating, “I used to be a thief… but me aint take any money… today is my birthday.” As a gesture for his birthday, the Magistrate granted him bail in the amount of $200,000, with conditions to keep the peace. Cromwell is scheduled to return to court on October 23, 2024. Related Similar Articles

Exxon says awaiting Govt. approval to exit Kaieteur Block Sep 26, 2024 News Kaieteur News – ExxonMobil Guyana has handed over operatorship of the Kaieteur Block to Ratio Guyana Limited however the company is still awaiting approval from the government to formally exit the oil field. Meghan MacDonald, Media and Communications Supervisor for the company told this publication in an invited comment that, “We are still awaiting formal government approval to leave the block, however we have handed over operatorship to Ratio Guyana Ltd. Our participating interest is going to Ratio and Cataleya with Ratio assuming role of operator.” She further stated that, “We do need government’s approval to formally exit the block not handover. I should also clarify we have been working with GoG and keeping them appraised throughout this process.” Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo told reporters on Thursday last that “the Canje Block has reverted back to the government because they didn’t meet their obligations and the Kaieteur Block is now…there have been some exploration on it and we expect some determination in the future.” On September 30th 2023 this publication reported that the Government of Guyana has clearly stated that the proposed exit by ExxonMobil and Hess Corporation from the Kaieteur Block must be consistent with the country’s legal framework. ExxonMobil, which operates the Kaieteur Block with a 35% stake, and Hess, holding a 20% stake, have recently expressed to the government, their intent to divest their interests in this offshore oil asset. The move would leave Ratio Guyana Limited and Cataleya Energy Limited as the principal stakeholders. But the Government of Guyana has emphasised the importance of due diligence and adherence to the law. The Ministry of Natural Resources, in a statement, underlined that while it acknowledges the decisions by the oil giants, any process concerning a transition in the ownership of the Kaieteur Block must be in alignment with the recently enacted Petroleum Activities Act 2023. This legislation, along with its regulations and the Kaieteur Petroleum Agreement and its associated prospecting license, sets the parameters for such transitions. The recent Petroleum Activities Act has modernised Guyana’s oil and gas regulatory framework. This is the second such transfer of interests under the new framework, after Tullow’s exit from the Orinduik Block. The Ministry noted that once a formal application for the exit is received, it will be critically evaluated in accordance with the relevant legislation and regulatory tools. Notably, Ratio and Cataleya had held the Kaieteur Block before stakes were farmed out to Exxon and Hess. The Canje Block was awarded by the Donald Ramotar administration on March 4, 2015, days before that year’s General and Regional Elections, to a local company, Mid-Atlantic Oil and Gas. Similarly, the Kaieteur Block was awarded on April 28, 2015, just two weeks before the elections, and like the Canje Block, it was done based on the advice of former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, Ramotar had said. Two companies received the blocks with 50-50 stakes – Ratio Energy Limited (now Cataleya Energy Limited) and Ratio Guyana Limited. The award of the oil blocks to the companies was especially concerning since the ultra-deep drilling is required for those blocks, a technique which only a handful of companies in the world have the technology, track record, and capability to execute. The red flags which have manifested in both situations include that the awards were given to unqualified companies, that the initial owners quickly flipped the blocks without doing any work, that they are incorporated in ‘secrecy’ jurisdictions, and that Guyana likely lost revenue due to the avoidance of an open, competitive bidding process. Ramotar had said that hundreds of files came to his desk every day to sign off, “and when the then Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud brought the files of the Kaieteur and Canje oil blocks to his desk for his signature, he asked Robert if everything is okay with them, and Persaud told him yes sir, so he signed off the files.  It has been close to five years since the PPP/C Government has failed to honour its promise to release the beneficial owners of the oil blocks offshore which include but are not limited to the Kaieteur, Canje, Orinduik, Kanuku, Demerara, Corentyne, and Berbice concessions. The issue was first raised in November 2020 by Jagdeo, who holds an oversight responsibility for the oil and gas industry. Back then, he said that the government would seek to determine the beneficial owners of Guyana’s resources, with first priority being given to the owners of the nation’s oil blocks. Jagdeo had said that the government intends to have a greater understanding of the ownership structure of the companies with the said licenses while adding that this is important for transparency and taxation purposes. Related Similar Articles

Providence GUYOIL gas station closed for emergency repairs Sep 26, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The GUYOIL gas station at Providence is temporarily closed for emergency repairs after a container truck collided with the canopy. According to a statement by the company, the incident occurred on Tuesday around 15:30hrs when “a customer’s freight container truck collided with the canopy of the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) Service Station in Providence.” Subsequently there was an assessment done to determine the extent of the damage and the environment was then ruled as posing a hazard to the company’s customers. This resulted in the decision to temporarily close the gas station to facilitate emergency repairs. Taking the inconvenience caused into consideration the company’s Diamond location will be operating on a 24hrs basis to accommodate customers until repairs are completed at Providence. The company expressed its regrets for inconvenience caused. Related Similar Articles

AG warns police against locking up people found with less than 30 grams of ganja Sep 26, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall on Tuesday urged members of the Guyana Police Force to avoid arresting individuals found with 30 grams (or less) of marijuana, citing that the law mandates no custodial sentences for such cases. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall Kaieteur News reported that on November 7, 2022 Persons found with up to 30 grams of marijuana will no longer face jail time but will be required to undergo counselling or engage in community service due to the passage of the government’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill. The Attorney General was at the time speaking during his weekly programme, ‘Issues in the News,’ when he addressed a question raised by a journalist of the recent reports which stated a man was arrested after found with less than 30 grams of marijuana. While recalling the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill, Nandlall underscored that a person found with less than 30 grams of cannabis, should not be denied bail. He explained that police should place a charge, impose bail and let the alleged offender appear in court, where the matter would be determined. The Attorney noted, “The … amendments divide possession into two categories, if you have zero to 15 grams, then you can be charged but the penalty is mandatory counseling and if you have 15 grams but less than 30 grams the penalty is community services, the Magistrate can order you to do community service, so there is no mandatory imprisonment in fact there is no imprisonment in respect of possession of narcotics below 30 grams.” He continued, “… If the court cannot sentence you to a term of imprisonment then the police cannot lock you up for that offence and that is a principle of law that runs across every offense in the statute books of our country.” The 4.2 grams of marijuana that was found, along with the two joints (contains suspected cannabis) Furthermore, the Attorney highlighted that if the offence does not carry a term of imprisonment, and a defendant is found guilty, they yet still cannot be arrested.  “…So the police officers are hereby advised that they are not to detain persons in the lock up for possession of marijuana below 30 grams, they must grant bail and they  must charge and put the person before the Magistrate Court and that applies to all offences,” the Attorney General urged. On Sunday police arrested Cononiah Jupiter after he was nabbed with 4.2 grams of cannabis, during a mobile patrol along the Pakera road in Matthews Ridge, North West District, Region One. Jupiter was driving a black Toyota Fielder Wagon vehicle with registration number PAH 4429. During a mobile patrol, ranks stopped the vehicle and Commander of Region One, Krishna Ramana requested a search of the vehicle for narcotics and Jupiter consented. Police in a report said that upon searching, ranks discovered two zip lock bags containing leaves, seeds, and stems, along with two joints suspected to be cannabis in Jupiter’s pants pocket. Jupiter reportedly admitted that the marijuana found was for his private use and he used it as a medication. He was then paced in police custody. Related Similar Articles