Nominees to the Public Procurement Commission

July 11 2016 Source

PEOPLE’S Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali, Chairman of the Parliament Public Accounts Committee (PAC), promised the society last month that he would have the names of the nominees to the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) by that month’s end. This is July, and it is not unreasonable for the society to expect delivery.It should be reminded that the appointment of the PPC is, on many fronts, of vital importance to this nation. Apart from it being a constitutional body that should never be non-functional, it is the institution that oversees and ensures the management of contracts for public goods and services within the framework of the laws, in open and transparent processes. Doing so not only allows the public insight into the management of their affairs, but also allows for complaints to be lodged.

Guyana stands to gain on many levels. At the political level, it would exemplify growth in the nation’s politics, in that Government is unafraid to conduct the people’s business within the public’s view, and is committed to respecting the Laws of Guyana. Where an aspect of our politics tends to be accusatory, sometimes not without justification, the establishment of the PPC would not only address allegations of nepotism, single-sourcing and curry-favouring, but the society would be better informed in rejecting or accepting such claims, based on the institution’s evidential work.

The APNU+AFC Administration has committed to managing the affairs of state in a manner that would bring about accountability, national unity, social cohesion, and inclusionary democracy. In the presence of the claim that the administration is falling short on its commitment, coupled with an expressed view from the diplomatic community on what is considered need for substantive work to make social cohesion a reality, the PPC can help in this regard. When this institution — which legally is independent of Cabinet and whose members would have secured at least two-thirds support of the National Assembly — makes a decision, it brings about a sense of collective involvement and responsibility to ensure it does its work effectively and efficiently.

At the international level, non-establishment of institutions such as the PPC has continued implications for the image and reputation of Guyana on the Transparency International (TI) Corruption Index. One of the systems in avoiding and preventing corruption is adherence and enforcement of laws.

What ratings Guyana receives in the 2016 Report, given that this administration has been in office since May 2015, would not be the responsibility of a PPP/C government; this government will have to own it.

Further, in the instance of money laundering and financing of terrorism, with the former known to ensnare legitimate organizations and governments, Guyana has to be mindful that more international financial institutions — for instance, the Bank of America -– do not withdraw doing business with us. In the instance where that has happened, should it continue, international and regional monitoring organisations such as the Financial Action Task Force and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force would keep Guyana on their monitoring radars.

And whereas it may be attractive for political expediency to ignore or engage in dilatory tactics in ensuring establishment of the PPC, Guyana — and more importantly, the ordinary man and woman — has more to lose than gain. Outside of banks, for the preservation of their integrity, demanding more proof of identity and authenticity of the source of money — which can be frustrating — those who rely on remittances will also feel the pinch.

In the area of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), where recent World Band Data said 10.6 percent of Guyana’s GDP between 2011 and 2015 came from remittance, it is in the Government and people’s interest not to have this source of revenue reduced, much more depleted. The paralleling of the narco-economy with the formal should not be allowed to expand, though, factually speaking, it would present a tempting proposition to feed oneself and family in the absence of legitimate jobs and support that remittances provide. A government also has to be concerned that a narco–economy is trying to overrun its formal economy and undermine its legitimacy. The drugs’ wars and resultant mayhem that occurred a few years ago are not lost sight of or forgotten by the people, who lived in daily trepidation.

It is hoped that good sense prevails, petty partisan politics is put aside, and those responsible — the PAC and the entire Legislature and Executive – treat this issue with deserving seriousness and move urgently to have the nominees made known, elected by Parliament, appointed by the President, and set up office. On this matter, time is running out for Guyana and her people.