Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran says government needs to urgently address the issue of who recommended Larry Singh of Linden Holding Inc for rental of the controversial pharmaceutical bond in Sussex Street in the interest of transparency and accountability.
In an interview with Stabroek News, he said that both the Ministers of Health and Finance are also liable to provide answers.
He also stressed that Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Health, Trevor Thomas’ refusal to comment on the issue cannot suffice as his signature is on the contract and he should be upholding the laws, especially pertaining to his role. Thomas on Wednesday told Stabroek News it would be unethical for him to say anything as President David Granger and Cabinet have already pronounced on the matter.
“Public resources are expended and no one is willing and able to provide information as to how Mr Singh came into the picture. The Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMA Act) places the onus on the PS and the Minister to provide the information as to the basis of selection of Mr Singh, bearing in mind that at the time the agreement was entered into with Mr Singh, he had no drug bond in Sussex Street,” Goolsarran told Stabroek News yesterday.
