-vows to execute duties without fear or favour

MR MARLAN Cole, Director of the Food and Drugs Department, has poured the proverbial cold water on allegations of corruption which surfaced on Thursday at a media briefing, vowing that he would carry out his duties and responsibilities without fear or favour.At a press conference on Friday, Cole denounced the allegations, which have their genesis in a reporter attached to a local online news outfit questioning Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, on Thursday about Cole’s alleged involvement in several arrangements which appear shady.

The first allegation concerns the drug Zeredol, which reputedly is formulated for sale only in India, and not in Guyana; but Cole has allegedly said the drug is manufactured in Guyana. However, Cole has dismissed this accusation by stating that Guyana has two official registrants of the drug.

“That is not true (that the drug is manufactured only in India). There [are] official registrants of the drug in Guyana in the person of Pharmagen Enterprise and ANSA McAL Trading,” Cole has said.

It was also alleged that a letter was sent to Cole’s office informing the department to desist from having that product sold on the market. According to the Director, there is no evidence to suggest that such a letter was sent to his department at any time.

Cole has also been accused of being on the payroll of the importers of the drug; and when contacted by the news outfit, he reportedly said, “I can do whatever I want.” This allegation also was dismissed by the director, who noted that he is a public official who would execute his duties diligently.

“I am a public official who has to carry out my duties and responsibilities without fear or favour, or being biased. I’m responsible, along with other staff, for enforcing the Food and Drugs Act of 1971, and accompanying regulations of 1977,” he said.

Finally, there were also allegations of two products — Royal Sea brand of sardine and Jack Mackerel — being imported; and because of simple information on the labels, they are not being allowed to reach the markets.

Cole has clarified that this was far from the truth. He explained that when his department checked online and perused documentation for the products and those who are making the products, the search came up empty. He noted that the Food and Drugs Act guides the department specifically as it relates to the department’s response to such products.

He said the product is currently on the wharf, and inspectors have taken samples, examined the labels, and realized that they are in violation of the labelling requirements. The inspectors have since issued a report to Cole, advising him not to allow the product to be released for sale on the local market.

“So the law would guide me to inform the Comptroller of Customs officially relative to this product, and to ensure that copies of these documents are given to the importer. That was done,” Cole said.

Cole was recently sent on administrative leave for a range of issues. He has denied them all.