THE government must do a better job reporting on projects and the way they currently address criticisms on various issues.  When questioned recently about the qualifications of a company to operate a recycling plant, the Local Government Minister seemed less than reassuring. Although, he admitted that he did not know of the technical capabilities of the company, he said that government was satisfied with all the information submitted by the company. Thinking that this was a similar case to the Amaila Falls road contract, some Guyana newspapers quickly questioned the agreement and suggested possible use of taxpayers’ money to execute this project. After a few days, there was information from the government that several bids were received to build a recycling plan and this company was selected because they would be using their own money and not any from the government. Firstly, why were these facts not stated as background information in the announcement in the first place, on how and why this company was selected? Secondly, after the Amaila Falls road fiasco, how thorough was the government in scrutinising the capabilities, technical and financial of this company? There are now reports, if true that some of the money will have to be borrowed and are not now totally available.

Unfortunately, there are accusations that the government did not accept an earlier offer from another company named Panther that is now reported to be building a US$26M plant in Jamaica. A failure to give better and more timely information, leaves the government open to charges and misinformation that hurts their image and adds to the perception that they have something to hide or that they simply refuse to address issues in a more serious manner or adopt pursue a more aggressive investigation of companies investing in Guyana.