‘Spouting its usual nonsense!’
– signals intention of suing the Tabloid for libel
FORMER Minister of Education, Mr. Shaik Baksh is accusing the Kaieteur News of “once again spouting its usual nonsense!”
In the Sunday headlines, Baksh said the Kaieteur newspaper inserted his photograph in the articles and is insinuating, in a devious way, that the former minister was involved in what the newspaper termed “a racket and scam” at the Ministry of Education.
“The public will recall the weeks of gutter journalism by the Kaieteur News in the case of the supply of computers to the Education Ministry. Once again I wish to inform the public that the terms and conditions of the contract were fulfilled by the supplier in the supply of the computers with the defined specifications,” Baksh reiterated in a statement yesterday.
He noted that an earlier statement to this effect was issued by the ministry but the Kaieteur News has shown no remorse for its publications on this matter.
Baksh also claimed that the headline carried in the Kaieteur News of Sunday February 26, ‘Billions spent on outdated text books’, is a total fabrication and wicked in its intent.
According to him, there is a clearly well defined text book policy and guidelines for the selection of text books. There is also a text book selection committee which is comprised of senior professional officers of the ministry and is supported by specialists and educators in the selection of text books.
All the textbooks procured for the thirty one subjects taken by students at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate, with some exceptions, are based on the published recommended texts by the Caribbean Examination Council.
Baksh said the results at the CSEC are clear evidence of the prudent policy in the selection of text books as well as programmes and interventions undertaken by the Ministry. The overall pass rate improved from 55.8% in 2006 to 64.4% in 2011 and notably English ‘A’ pass rate moved from 39.5% in 2006 to 60.8% in 2011!
On the article which appeared in Kaieteur on Sunday February 19, 2012, Baksh yesterday commented as follows:
Firstly, I wish to state that all matters pertaining to the Auditor General’s reports including observations, queries and recommendations are dealt with by the Head of the Budget Agency which, in the case of the Ministry of Education, is the Permanent Secretary.
Secondly, at no time during the entire conduct of the audit by the Auditor General is the minister in any way involved, interviewed or asked for comments, observations, etc.
Thirdly, all matters pertaining to finance and accounting functions, including the implementation of tender processes, contract administration and contract payments are the responsibility of the Head of the Budget Agency and other senior officials of the ministry.
Fourthly, the Auditor General’s Report has not revealed that a fraud or misappropriation of funds had taken place in this contract.
Fifthly, the 2010 Auditor General’s report stated that “the ministry sought and obtained approval from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) to procure the text books from a local Supplier at a cost of $110.291 million”. Hence, there was no breach of the tender and award process.
Finally, it cannot be denied that the PPP/C Government has placed much importance in strengthening the Auditor General’s Office and ensuring yearly reports are submitted to Parliament. This has contributed to identification of systems weaknesses, breaches of procedures, legislation and irregularities. This can result in greater transparency and accountability in the operations of Government Ministries/Agencies.
In due course, the Auditor General’s Report 2010 will be subject to scrutiny by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament. The Head of the Budget Agency and senior officials will be called upon to explain and account for any breaches of procedures, regulations, law, etc.
Baksh also made it clear that, as he has done in the Computers for Schools project, he is consulting his Attorney with a view to suing the Kaieteur Tabloid for libel.
The former Education Minister noted that freedom of the press carries with it a corresponding responsibility for accurate, balanced and fair reporting.