I support fully the pronouncements of President Jagdeo that contractors must be penalised for failure to deliver contracts on time and that government decision makers can also fall under the hatchet (Guyana Chronicle April 3). I know first hand and have penned open representations against shoddy work done by contractors.

As a business executive, I call on His Excellency to cause investigations into the procurement malpractices involving procurement officials and suppliers. It is my ongoing experience that if you cannot “slack” the boys, your company doesn’t get the business. I must confess readily that some permanent secretaries do investigate reports of irregularities but not even an acknowledgment would be received from others. Some official even black list your organisation when you complain.

One is strongly tempted to conclude that many procurers are “in the take”.

I am aware of some suppliers who win tenders to supply a particular quality of product, but when the product is actually supplied, the quality is a far cry from the product that is required. And those suppliers continue to get tender awards. Why? How?

Some bidders would not meet tender board requirements at the opening of tender boxes and the award is postponed to another date to facilitate these delinquent bidders. This is the reality Mr. President. Irregularities are deeply entrenched in the system.

I know further that the government ministries /agencies have procurement procedures but these procedures are adhered more in the breach. Again, who are the beneficiaries?

Our economy has seen enough haemorrhaging. Stemming this bleeding depends on the integrity of our decision makers. Most Guyanese want this nation to move forward. But there are many who are vested with authority but who use their position for self aggrandisement.

God knows when we will summon the will to ensure fair play.
T.JADUNNAUTH