Dear Editor,
The news circulating regarding the credibility of Mohamed Osman’s recycling business that will be costing taxpayers/workers millions, reinforces the need for the immediate establishment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC). This is an embarrassment to this nation and a further indictment of the government in its continued recklessness in managing our resources. The obsession by the government to have cabinet retain a no-clause objection in awarding contracts given what continues to unfold with Mr Khan’s shenanigans makes it even more important that this responsibility should not be solely vested in this government.
Had we had the PPC this could have been avoided. If it were not for the vigilance of an inquiring media and the registered owner for Natural Globe Inc the nation would not have been the wiser. This revelation reinforces the grave concern of sections of civil society and the AFC about what the absence of the PPC means for accountability and the wise use of our resources.
The opposition, more so the APNU, is called upon to get on board and work to have the commission established without delay. It needs to be reiterated that the PPC is a constitutional body and every member of parliament, having sworn to uphold the constitution, must make sure every element of it is being respected. Those who are vacillating on the appointment of the commission must be seen as giving tacit support to the perceived corruption that is currently taking place.
When the Guyana Trades Union Congress recently raised the matter of establishing the PPC, messages were sent to me by some politicians that they are finished with me. Let me put them on notice that had they honoured the constitution, the instrument they swore to uphold, the Osman fiasco would have been caught at the commission level. In addition I say that while they are finished with me I am not finished with them once they hold a constitutional office and are being paid by the workers (taxpayers.)
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis
