MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Ganga Persaud has reacted to recently published articles, in which an organisation accused his ministry of favouritism in the bidding and tendering process.

Speaking at a press briefing Thursday, in the Ministry’s Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown boardroom, he said the security issue that was publicised had the unfortunate lack of facts.
Persaud said the ministry had clearly placed advertisements in the media inviting companies and individuals, who were desirous of providing security services across the 10 Administrative Regions of Guyana and the Central Ministry of Local Government.
The minister said the notices for the bids were advertised for a period of 21 days and, as a result, they were submitted by documentation.
He added that the responses were opened at the level of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board.
Persaud said, as they were announced in keeping with the National Procurement Act, an evaluation team was named by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board for completion of the process and, presently, they are at the level of the Ministry of Finance, having gone through the normal procedure.
The minister said there are some sections of society that believe, because of their lack of appreciation, transparency, accountability and how one operates within a democratic country, they seem to be moving around with their eyes closed and are always willing and ready to point accusing fingers at the government.
Based on an earlier response given by minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Norman Whittaker, the media agencies who have misinformed the public, have been asked to correct their reports and produce an apology, Persaud said.
He declared that, for too long, the media have published erroneous reports and just leave them as an act. However, this matter will be dealt with differently by the administrative staff of the ministry, as they have requested and will receive due apology from the media entities that sought to accuse the Ministry of Local Government of procuring security services, and in doing so violated the National Procurement Act.
Persaud assured the general public that the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has and will continue to upkeep the laws of the country.