THE National Assembly’s 9th August approval of the nominees to the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) is a proud moment for this nation.This rare moment — though more such can be forthcoming — speaks to the capacity of the people’s representatives to collectively work in the interest of country and people. Achieving more than the required votes of at least two-thirds of the members of the National Assembly speaks to the fact that bi-partisanship, though ever so elusive, is not impossible.

The five nominated members — Misses Emily Dodson and Carol Corbin; and Messrs. Ivor English, Sukrishnalall Pasha, and Dr. Nanda Gopaul — are applauded for accepting to serve the people, and the nation looks forward to their being given the instruments of appointment to commence working. The PPC, which has been achieved with constitutional reform, was enshrined in law since 2003. It has taken 13 years of incessant public calls for its establishment, and political back and forth between the parliamentary parties to arrive at, and vote on, the nominees. Thus to see its establishment, and amidst justifiable concerns that the handling of government contracts is tainted, is cause for an outpouring of goodwill towards the commission. This goodwill is premised on the people’s frustration and disappointment with their perception, real or contrived, of how their tax dollars are being spent. With the voices of intolerance to corruption growing louder, accompanied by trenchant calls for it to be stamped out, it is expected that where the PPC has oversight responsibility, the stamping out of corruption would be executed within the confines of the law, and without fear, favour, ill-will, or affection.

The present furore over the continued single-sourcing of pharmaceuticals and the awarding of a contract for its storage, where it is being alleged that requirements have fallen short, merely strengthen the call for the PPC. Thankfully, in the interim, President Granger has appointed a three-man committee to investigate the latter. It is hoped that at completion of this investigation, having followed due diligence and submitting a report to the President, the society would be better informed on what took place, and any inappropriate act or anomaly flowing therefrom be addressed.

A PPC will aid perception that the government is not only serious about tackling corruption, but that it does not see itself operating above the law and without accountability to the people. At the same time, in a society where suspicion of politicians is rife — though in instances not without merit — the PPC will be expected to be transparent, objective, fair, and dispassionate. With allegations — not without some justification — of preferential treatment and compromising of the process in the awarding of contracts, the society will look forward to the commission putting in place systems that would ensure equity and justice.

This newspaper will be speaking to the body’s work and performance from time to time, given that it comes with a task of ensuring the procurement process is prudently managed.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan has recently said that approximately three-quarters of the National Budget are allocated to this expenditure, and it is not unfair to say the process has been mismanaged over a considerable period.

The nation now looks forward to the establishment of the Integrity Commission (IC). This commission, also required by Constitution, has oversight responsibility of ensuring public officials — elected and appointed — conduct themselves in a manner that would uphold the repute of the office they hold, inclusive of ensuring public office is not used for personal enrichment. It is reasonable to expect that elected representatives, mindful of the people’s concern in this regard, would collaborate, as they have done for the PPC, to ensure the Commissioners are identified and appointed. Doing this would demonstrate to the society their commitment to public service and what it entails.

Outside of the PPC and IC, it is urged that simultaneous efforts be made to establish the other constitutional commissions. Key among those are the Ethnic Relations and Human Rights commissions, which can strengthen efforts and desire to improve race relations and protect human rights. It is fair to say that said commissions have direct impact on the people building peaceful and harmonious relations, which can lead to social cohesion and national unity. In the workforce, it is also reasonable to assume public servants desire the establishment of the constitutional Public Service Appellate Tribunal.
There is no disputing that when institutions are respected and systems are put in place to ensure their functioning, all stand to gain. It is hoped that where matters are deserving of attention as they relate to laws and management of the business of State and Government, the people would continue to see efforts made to move Guyana in the right direction.