No considerations given for “extra-constitutional” measure for Procurement Commission

By Jomo Paul

[www.inewsguyana.com] –The APNU+AFC administration has not made any considerations of establishing a Public Procurement Commission without the support of the Opposition, People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

Governance Minister, Raphael Trotman told media operatives on Wednesday August 05, that while there are no systems in place for procurement of goods, it is under the active management of the Ministry of Finance.

APNU+AFC in its 100 day plan had promised the establishment of a Public Procurement Commission; however the government would need the support of the Opposition in the National Assembly for the establishment of such.

“Government is ready to name reps and will push for the commission, once the government sees that we have Public Accounts Committee, we will proceed to make that the first order of the day,” said Trotman.

The government is hoping that based on recent statements coming from the PPP, the Party will more than likely go to the National Assembly at the next sitting scheduled for August 10.

“We believe that based on what we see that we are likely to have an Opposition in the National Assembly shortly…Should we go towards the end of the year with this situation we will have to take further steps,” said the Minister of Governance.

However, he made it clear that the government does not envision the need for any measure to procure goods and services that would be foreign to Guyana’s constitution.

“We are not in a position now or see no need to introduce any kind of extra-constitutional measures …we like to stick to the rule of law and adhere to the provisions of the constitution unless it becomes a national imperative,” he stated.

Meanwhile, with government cutting its deal with New Guyana Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (New GPC), the question was raised of an impending lack of medication.

Trotman contended that while New GPC provides over 80% of Guyana’s medical supplies, a shortage will not happen.

“While we may not have a drug supplier, our supply of drugs is not in any state of emergency…I don’t think the intention of government is to eradicate New GPC…we would like to level out the playing field…The state of affairs is not under threat,” he stated.