Pointless going after person responsible for recommending Sussex St. bond – Ramjattan
Sep 10, 2016, , http://www.kaieteurnewsonline....x-st-bond-ramjattan/
Going after the person responsible for even recommending the Sussex Street bond in the first place would very well turn out to be an exercise in futility.
“Besides, who would turn up and say I was the one who did it? It is hardly likely, since we are dealing with humans and not angels,” expressed Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan.
The Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) made this comment, among others, during a press conference which was held yesterday at the party’s Railway Line, Kitty headquarters.
Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan
Ramjattan is of the firm belief that Government has done everything possible in trying to correct the embarrassing bond scandal.
He reminded that Cabinet established a sub-committee which investigated the matter and subsequently produced a menu of recommendations.
“I don’t know what a further investigation might prove…should we then bang our heads against the wall in finding out what that is all about or who started it? Why not remedy the situation by looking at solutions and remedial actions taken? That is what we feel is priority,” the Public Security Minister firmly expressed.
In the meantime, Cabinet members have unanimously decided that it is in the nation’s best interest to explore the possibility of shortening the lease for the controversial Sussex Street Bond contract.
In a recent statement to the media, Cabinet said that it was recently engaged in full and thorough discussions on the issue of the storage of government pharmaceuticals at Sussex Street facility which is owned by Lawrence Singh of Linden Holdings Inc.
Cabinet concluded that the arrangement was “undoubtedly undesirable” and considered the options and recommendations in the report of its Sub-Committee which was tasked with reviewing the decision of the Ministry of Public Health to lease the Sussex Street facility.
The three-man committee consisted of Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.
Specifically, Cabinet said that it explored a range of options including shortening the lease period for the rental of the Sussex Street facility while expediting the search for another facility. Government said that it also agrees to secure its own pharmaceuticals storage facility and is inspecting suitable sites.
Cabinet also stated that the options of purchasing, constructing or leasing will also be explored. It noted however, that the conditions for the storage facility to be located within proximity of the Georgetown port, and be easily accessible, remain applicable.
Though it has, out of necessity, taken some time to arrive at these decisions, Cabinet said that it is satisfied that significant advances have been made on this matter and when the full menu of actions is completed, the best arrangement, in the interest of the people of Guyana, will be concluded.
Cabinet noted that the Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton has taken responsibility for the embarrassing situation and has publicly expressed regrets over the controversy that the rental of the bond has caused. The Government also recommitted itself to managing the affairs of the state in a transparent and accountable manner and to respect public opinions at all times.
Cabinet also pledged to be vigilant with regard to all contracts and arrangements, and gave assurances that efforts will continue to strengthen the delivery of health care services which, for too long, “have been held hostage by close friends and cronies of the previous administration”.
The body of high level ministers also acknowledged the frank expression of views by a wide cross section of the Guyanese society, which it said it “respects as vital to true participatory and inclusionary democracy”.
