THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE yesterday involved stakeholders from all administrative regions, ministries and government agencies in a two-day workshop, at which all were presented with the details of the strengthened procurement policy of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. In what one would describe as information, education and awareness of the new policy over regular daily operational practice, National Procurement and Tender Administration’s Fredrick Flatts outlined in detail the new procedure to be followed by all evaluators within the framework.
At the workshop was Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill; head, officers and staff of the National Procurement & Tender Administration Board, as they all sought to charter the new way forward in the implementation of the revised system.
After a detailed presentation and sharing of information on a case study brought before the gathering, members of the represented regions and agencies shared their views; and in concluding, were urged to protect the integrity of themselves and the system.
Minister Edghill noted that the days when there was intervention from political persons and parties in the bidding and awarding of tenders are gone. He referred to a number of past events in which persons were called and favours were granted to the bidders and awardees of tenders and contacts.
He noted that President Donald Ramotar has made it clear that this practice will no longer continue, as the new, revised standard system will go in place soon, and all will have to follow the rules governing the process.
The presentation clearly outlined the procedure in the new format of the document relative to the various categories of donor agencies’ requirements.