Discrimination against me at NDIA

Apr 14, 2013 Letters

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Dear Editor,
I write this letter to highlight the injustice and dictatorial actions against me by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) whilst being in their employ and honouring their contractual obligations as it relates to payment for gratuity, vacation allowance and deprived twenty-eight days leave. Further, no response was given by the NDIA to my requests for contractual sums owing and attempts through the Chairman of NDIA – Board of Directors has also proved futile for a resolution.
Since someone wickedly leaked to the press a report for an approved audit I conducted, I have endured the aspersions on my character in the public newspapers and online from persons lacking morality, decency and character. All audits and investigations done during my tenure (April to October 2012) at NDIA were based on an Audit Plan approved by the CEO and in line with my approved job description stating the job mandate which was  issued on 2012.04.02 when I signed the contract of employment. These are:-
1.Audits
a.Audit Report_PS.RA.2012.1.5.1_Bank Reconciliation
b.Audit Report_PS.RA.2012.2.8.1_Inventory NDI-CDIP
c.Audit Report_PS.RA.2012.6.8.3_Fuel Consumption & Equipment Operations and Maintenance
d.Audit Report_PS.RA.2012.7.10.1_Cheque Payments
2.Investigations
a.Audit Report_PS.AR.2012.1.4_Fuel Consumption-#43 Joppa Drainage Pump
b.Audit Report_PS.SI.2012.1.6.2_Missing Cheque Leaves & Corruption Black Bush Polder Water Users Association
c.Audit Report_PS.SI.2012.1.8.2_Alleged Corruption Charity ZorgenZlygtWater Users Association
I was intentionally and maliciously accused by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture on October 22nd 2012, of leaking the said report to the Press, conducting an audit without the CEO’s approval, Breach of Protocol – Reporting, Security and Confidentiality procedures, Disclosure of Information, Making wilful statements, Unauthorised use of NDIA’s Documents and Records, Insubordination to Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Agriculture.
As such, I was illegally sent on Administrative leave on October 25th 2012 by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, who abrogated the functions of the CEO-NDIA, wilfully usurped the authority of the Chairman-NDIA Board of Directors who was in the process of conducting an investigation awaiting the CEO’s response thus demonstrating poor managerial ethics and professionalism. It must be noted that the NDIA is a corporate, legal and separate body managed by a Board of Directors.
These charges were baseless and as outlined in my response to the Permanent Secretary as matter of courtesy noting his abrogation and wilful usurpation. It was also explained to him that my decision to disseminate the report was based on audio recordings relating to the audits completed which revealed unethical and illegal conduct by the CEO-NDIA, co-worker and procurement department. These were given on DVD to the Chairman- NDIA Board of Directors and State Audit Staff on 2012.12.18 at the Audit Office- Mr. Dhanraj Persaud: Audit Manager (Acting) in the presence of Mr.Indrajit Singh: Supervisor-Finance Unit and Mr. Vieira- Fraud Investigator. The recordings are:-
1.“Discussion with Senior Section Engineer on EE advice, quotations, procurement, CEO involvement in the fraud- 2012.09.24”
2.“CEO subscribing to illegal Community Drainage Improvement Project Expenses- 2012.09.24”.
In addition to the audio recordings, a report compiled from whistleblowing of major and alleged fraud committed at NDIA was also submitted to the representatives from State Audit Department for full investigation.
It must be noted that I sent the report to the President of Guyana because of the illegal use of NDIA’s Community Drainage Improvement Project funds by the Office of the Minister of Agriculture with whom I sought a meeting to discuss the illegal expenses but was never granted. It was intended to involve the President of Guyana to effectively bring an end to the NDIA’s breaches of the Fiscal Laws of Guyana. I do pray that he will make the right decision irrespective of the influences which will impact others to emulate bearing in mind “monkey see, monkey do”. This decision should transcend all cultural, racial, political differences and ‘public servants’ who are interested in the amassing of great wealth and creating dirty legacies.
In my opinion, I have worked hard and assisted in highlighting many irregularities at NDIA that are stated in the reports issued. As such, I am making this public request to the President of Guyana for justice to be given on this matter and should the situation remain the same then it leaves me with no choice but to seek redress through the courts of Guyana.
Pablo. N. Singh
Ex- Field Auditor
National Drainage and Irrigation Authority

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