He focused on three critical areas of governance; public procurement, monitoring and evaluation, and project cycle management.

     Minister Edghill recalled that he visited many communities in 2014, and interacted with thousands of Guyanese. For him it was a chance to look at the communities and view the projects that are aimed at fostering development. He said he was, “listening to the demands and appreciation of what is and what has been already established, and it has given me a great sense of satisfaction”.

     The minister slammed the parliamentary opposition for what he said was their irresponsible actions in denying development to  Guyanese. “They have cost this country billions of dollars worth of development. If we add all three years together - 2012, 2013 and 2014, we are talking in excess to $100 billion worth of development that they cost Guyana by what they have described as cuts to the budget.”

      For this year alone, Guyanese bore witness, Minister Edghill said, to what he described as a sizeable attack on Guyana’s developments, “an attack on the office of the president and the ability of the president to discharge his responsibilities, because of the cutting of finances for that sector, an attack on hinterland development, and I believe that if there is anything that the PPP/C can be credited for in the last 22 years in government is the bringing of development to all of our people on an equal playing field”. Referring to the hinterland, he explained that development was more than just about the building of roads along the coast, citing the over $700 million Kato Secondary School in Region Eight and the Port Kaituma Hospital in Region One, just two of the many projects initiated by government to improve the lives of hinterland residents. He said, “these are things that clearly show that our Government is interested in bringing holistic development to people in Guyana, which is something that we should be very proud about”. He added that the gains were achieved despite  significant criticism, some instances of bullying and “intimidating of officers who had to carry out functions in these projects, creating an environment of uncertainty and fear. But here we are, December 2014, and the report and score look good”.

With regards to development, Minister Edghill opined that if there had been support by the Parliamentary opposition, the country would have been much further along this path. The Amaila Falls Hydro Project, the Specialty Hospital, Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion and planned upgrades for hinterland airstrips would have been well on their way to fruition, he noted. All of these would have seen more investors, who are keen to see infrastructure being put in place. He explained that, “Part of the strategy of the opposition I believe is to turn away investors, or to delay investments, because once you create that environment of uncertainty you are creating panic in the minds and hearts of the people, and so scare them off”. He spoke out on the leadership of the Alliance for Change for their stance on many of the transformational projects. Referring to Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister Edghill said, “He prided himself that a lot of investors are now on hold, as if that is something that you should be shouting from the roof tops about. Well investors are very careful now about how they put their money in Guyana, so the achievement of the AFC is all amiss, so to speak in crediting himself that he was able to put a pause in Guyana’s investment”.

     Despite the challenges and efforts of the political opposition, Minister Edghill said more importantly what should be focused on is what was achieved despite those attacks.  He said all Guyanese should commend and applaud President Ramotar for leading his team to ensure the country’s economic expansion. “My colleague, Dr. Ashni Singh at the Ministry of Finance, and all our Cabinet ministers took charge of what could have been a disastrous situation, pulling things together, and ensuring that real economic growth occurred in 2014.  We have continued that trend that we would have seen over the last three years of positive, uninterrupted economic growth and I am sure at the time of the presentation of the 2015 budget, our finance minister, would be able to announce to the nation, that we would have seen nine years. That trend continued, but rather than growing 4.1 % or 4.2%, we could have grown 5.6 %”. The greater economic growth translates to the benefit all the people of Guyana, he added.

      The minister was asked about some of the works undertaken as a result of the public investment programme, one which has seen billions of dollars being spent in several sectors. Government, Minister Edghill said, is keen to ensure that Guyanese get value for money, with regards to contracts. It was explained that these are advertised publicly, proposals submitted and evaluated. Cabinet then offers  its no objection, and then that contract is awarded.

     “Here we are talking of an announcement of an intention to date and a process that follows, and sees the signing of a contract, and that is being called the procurement stage, once that project is in the implementation stage, we now have to do monitoring and evaluation, and then we have the project cycle to ensure that the monies that are voted for specific projects are spent or to put it safely, the tax payers’ purse is protected”.

    From January 7, to December 8, 2014, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) processed, and gave the go ahead for the award of 2,620 contracts, of which total 389 engaged the attention of Cabinet,  “Because you are aware based on the procurement act that only contracts of $15 M and over could come to the Cabinet for no objections”.    

     With more than 200 roads being built or rehabilitated under the Community Road Improvement Programme (CRIP) under the Ministry of Housing and Water, and bridges, footpaths, nursery schools, health clinics’ extensions and other works being done across the country in dozens of communities, the minister pointed out that in every area, works are either on-going or have been completed for the year. It was noted that works undertaken by Regional Tender boards have not been included in the 2,620 contracts handled by the NPTAB as these were contracts valued under $5 million.

     As government continues to seek ways to improve the relationship among its contractors, consultants and suppliers, it hosted the Public Procurement Symposium. This was  the third year that the event has been held with over 200 stakeholders attending. Minister Edghill acknowledged that there have been criticisms, and whilst the administration has its own views and is aware of what is happening, it is moving to strengthen what exists. He debunked claims that some contractors have an unfair advantage noting that bids are opened publicly with the media present, and all Cabinet does is give its “no-objection” to contracts under its mandate. Some, contractors who complain are either way below the estimated cost or fail to comply in terms or taxes being up to date or tardy with NIS contributions. Contractors can submit their complaints via a review process.

      The minister stressed that at the end of the day, government is “seeking to ensure that people get value for money. The best person, man or woman gets the job”.

The employment of 24 persons as procurement specialists has signalled the recognition by government of procurement being a distinct profession. The persons were trained by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supplies, sponsored by the Inter American Development Bank (IDB), and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

     The funding of projects was addressed and it was revealed that the Caribbean Development Fund is the latest agency to partner with government. Its first local project is the construction of 12 kilometers of asphaltic road from Parika to Ruby Back Dam. The communities of Laluni on the Linden - Soesdyke Highway and Onverwagt will also get similar roadways.

     The CDB will be continuing its funding of critically needed roads such as the Vreed-en Hoop to Hydronie corridor. The bank is also funding sea defence projects. Some 256 community roads will also be funded in 12 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.

     The Basic Needs Trust Fund will be funding health, water and sanitation facilities in many communities. There is also the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission which is ensuring that there are fair practices amongst contractors.

     The World Bank has approved loans for the secondary education improvement project to strengthen capacity in secondary schools in the area of mathematics.

    The Flood Risk Project caters for the upgrading of water conservancy channels, dams, safety measures and the instruments to monitor flood levels and build hydromet capacity.

    There is also the Rural Agriculture and Information Development aimed at increasing agricultural market access for small rural farmers.     

    The IDB is multi-sectoral and covers several projects such as the Linden Water Treatment Programme, Georgetown Sanitation Project, the Solid Waste Management Programme, the Nutrition Programme, phase 2 of which focuses on child health, the Citizens Security Programme, the Low Income Settlement Programme, Road Improvement Programme and several others.  India is funding several projects as is China, with the CJIA Expansion and the One Laptop  Per Family Programme, the latter of which is still ongoing. Japan is also funding works such as the Cunha Canal and other major works. Most of the other works are being funded by government via budgetary allocations.

     The issue of monitoring and evaluation was raised and Minister Edghill noted that M&E is being institutionalised with more than 600 public officials being trained to effectively discharge these duties. This process is facilitated by Dr. Ray Rist a world renowned expert and only a pass mark of 70% is accepted. Some 119 staffers have attained this level. The Health and Education Ministries are benefiting the most from this intervention, it was revealed, as is the Finance Ministry which is building its capacity. Other agencies benefitting from the M&E, the minister said include the Agriculture, Home Affairs, Amerindian Affairs, Legal Affairs, Social Services, Local Government, Public Works, Tourism, Natural Resources and the Environment Ministries, Bank of Guyana, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Guyana Defence Force, National Printers Limited, Supreme Court and the Guyana Oil Company. Twenty- seven (27) senior public servants including Permanent Secretaries from various ministries also benefitted from additional technical training.

    Communities also have a role to play in monitoring works, Minister Edghill said, and they can always voice concerns with supervising consultants who are paid separately to monitor works. The aim is to have professional and competent persons to manage these projects, he emphasised.

     He added that the fact that government has been able to grow the economy means that residents, not only benefit from additional works, but they also ask for more to be done. Government is committed to doing this as far as is possible, he stated. Part of the mandate of ministers, he emphasised is to conduct field visits to ensure the people get “value for money” and work is conducted to the required specifications.

   Part of this effort sees the holding of Portfolio Review Meetings once a month with the Project Execution Unit and various agencies. Money is  released as the deliverables are completed as projects are executed. These meetings are conducted and the Chief Planning Officer and those responsible must present their case.