PUBLIC Health Minister, Dr George Norton has apologised to the National Assembly on Thursday for inaccurate statements made by him in August on the Sussex Street storage bond, during the last sitting of the National Assembly.Speaking before his colleagues, Dr Norton, who at one point faced mounting calls to be removed from the post as Health Minister, said he accepts full responsibility for the inaccurate utterances despite being misled.

“I was questioned extensively by MPs representing the PPP/C — in the process I gave answers that were in some part based on my personal knowledge and ability — and in other parts based on information and advice presented to me.”

The Minister of Health said he is of the firm opinion that the answers to the questions asked by the Opposition in relation to the payment to New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC) Inc and the storage of drugs at the lot 29 Sussex Street bond were untrue.

“In the circumstances, I wish to express my sincere and profound regrets,” said Dr Norton, who extended his apology to President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland and his colleagues on both sides of the House.

Amid heckling from the Opposition, the Minister of Health said, “I take fully the responsibility for this unfortunate episode,” as he committed to the non-recurrence of the provision of inaccurate information.

On August 8, the Minister told the House that a contract was signed with Linden Holdings Incorporated, owned by one Larry Singh, to rent the storage bond on Sussex Street in the City for $12.5M a month; the first month’s rent was handed over, along with an additional $13 million, which the Minister said was for a security deposit.

The terms of the contract stated that the agreement may be terminated with due cause by either party 12 months ahead, once notice is provided in writing. Later that month, the minister issued a written apology to Speaker of the National Assembly and also faced the media after the Opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) demanded answers from the Government.

Opposition Leader, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had suggested that Norton was ordered to apologise in order to save him from parliamentary sanctions.

“He lied to the Parliament so he has to face the consequences in Parliament,” Jagdeo had said at a press conference. The minister told the House that the bond was certified by an agency under his Ministry and that it had met international standards – standards of the Pan-American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO).

He said that the contract with the company was decided on as it was cheaper than what was being offered by the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation.

Given the outcry over Dr Norton’s statements, Cabinet had appointed a sub-committee to review the decision of the Ministry of Health to rent the storage bond.

The PPP/C had called on Government to terminate the Sussex Street bond contract and also called for an external investigation into the matter.

“Who directed them to Larry Singh – who has never stored drugs before?” the former President asked.