Dear editor

IN an article published on October 11, 2020 in the Kaieteur News, headlined: “Minister Dharamlall instructs staff to contract company founded by son,” I wish to state in unequivocal terms:

1. The headline is totally misleading and malicious, since no instruction was ever given by me to any staff to use any particular company to print 80 posters. Moreover, I was totally unaware that portrait posters were being procured.

2. Since the note was brought to my attention last week, I took action to halt the procurement process and a memo to this effect was sent to the office of the PS.

3. It is evident, therefore, that this nefarious act to impugn my integrity was contrived by known APNU+AFC elements still on the payroll of the ministry.

4. For this matter to now be put in the public domain by member of staff and APNU+AFC activist, Ganesh Mahipaul, whose employment has been under scrutiny, points to his intent aimed at besmirching my character.

5. Our policy at the ministry is to ensure that all processes are followed and can withstand public scrutiny.

Yours faithfully,

Nigel Dharamlall M.P.