The Government of Guyana has temporarily suspended Phase One of small contractor contract awards in Region Four to allow additional verification checks following complaints raised during the signing process.

In a statement issued on the matter, the government said the decision forms part of its ongoing effort to maintain transparency, fairness and accountability in the public pre-qualification process for small contractors undertaking projects valued at $15 million and under.

The pre-qualification process began on March 2 and ended on April 6 after an extension was granted. Applications were submitted through the Government’s procurement website, and notices were also published in daily newspapers.

According to the minister, technical staff and ministers later carried out verification exercises to identify issues such as duplicate applications and businesses linked to the same household or family. In the statement, he explained that the checks were aimed at ensuring fairness and preventing any individual or family from receiving an unfair advantage.

Over the last few days, the first phase of contract awards and signings began publicly for projects under the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.

However, during the Region Four exercise, complaints and concerns were raised, prompting the Government to pause the process while further investigations and checks are carried out.

“This massive undertaking with the engagement and evaluation of the more than ten thousand persons who submitted applications utilising the aforementioned online platform, should not be seen as a simple task. Our promise to the people of Guyana will be fulfilled — ensuring equal opportunities, equal access, and advancing the vision of One Guyana, where every citizen, regardless of background or region, can share in the nation’s progress and prosperity,” the statement affirmed.