By Kimberly Giddings
February 20, 2024
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, emphasizing the implementation of robust safeguards to combat corruption.
Speaking at the Energy Conference, Dr. Jagdeo underscored the administration’s dedication to ensuring that governance remains open and ethical.
He stated that deliberate efforts to conceal corruption or engage in unethical activities would not be tolerated.
The vice president highlighted that a comprehensive system of checks and balances is in place, ensuring that all governmental actions are scrutinized and accessible to the public.
He further noted that safeguards have been established to minimize the risk of fraudulent activities and maintain the integrity of public spending.
During a recent meeting, Jagdeo reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, warning public sector accounting officers that strict compliance with procurement regulations would be enforced.
He urged all officials to familiarize themselves with the Procurement Act and Standard Bidding Documents to avoid breaches of the legal framework.
Jagdeo also addressed concerns about accountability in engineering and construction, pointing out that engineers engaging in substandard work or accepting bribes would face consequences.
Additionally, the vice president emphasized that the administration strictly adheres to the Procurement Act.
He highlighted the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board’s (NPTAB) practice of regularly publishing awarded contracts on its website—a measure he claimed was neglected by the previous government.
According to Jagdeo, the prior administration failed to publish a single contract despite legal obligations to do so.
The government continues to implement measures aimed at enhancing transparency and preventing corruption, reinforcing its commitment to good governance and public accountability.