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GTUC roasts Granger over Procurement Commission
… it gives tacit support to Govt. contempt for this sacred instrument – GTUC
The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) says that it takes serious objection to Leader of the Opposition, David Granger’s reported statement, that the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission [PPC] is not a concern that the APNU shares at this time, more so with respect to tying it with the passing of the Anti-Money Laundering Legislation.
Leader of the Political Opposition, David Granger
GTUC President, Lincoln Lewis, in a public missive yesterday, sought to remind Granger that the PPC is a constitutional body and all responsible parties should seek to ensure its immediate enactment and functioning.
According to Lewis, constitutional requirements cannot be cherry-picked or dismissed at will.
“Doing this is in itself a violation of the Constitution…Further it gives tacit support to the government’s contempt for this sacred instrument, which remains the foundation for good governance.”
Lewis is of the opinion that “failure to uphold this also reinforces the importance of the influences of human will-power or lack of, in giving meaning to constitutional provisions.”
According to the GTUC President, “this is a factor of grave concern and an unnecessary hindrance in the development of our society and accountability of government offices.”
He reminded that, “Corruption is a human rights issue.”
According to Lewis, the APNU as the lead opposition has a responsibility to society to ensure good governance, accountability of public procurement and holding government responsible for holding the constitution sacred.
“Where government is failing, APNU must give voice and leadership to this nation to protect and defend the Constitution…GTUC calls on the APNU to respect the Constitution and revisit its position on having the PPC activated.”
According to Lewis, “The time for doing this is now if the Executive lacks the will to uphold the Constitution and safeguard the public against wanton waste and corruption.”
He also drew reference to a statement by Head of the Presidential Secretariat; Dr. Roger Luncheon, when he said that Government will get the support of the APNU to make amendment to the Procurement Laws which would retain Cabinet having a say in awarding contracts, in as much as the Act seeks to phase this out.
“This is dangerous and would continue the very practice the PPC sets out to halt, that is corruption.”
According to Lewis, the Anti-Money Laundering Bill seeks to reinforce financial probity of the people’s resources and of which the PPC forms the precursor.
“That is the nexus to help Granger in his decision making.”
GTUC President, Lincoln Lewis
The fact that Khemraj Ramajattan, the Leader of the Alliance For Change, alleged money was offered him to derail tying the establishment of the PPC to the Anti-Money Laundering Bill and in light of Granger’s willingness to go ahead with the obvious violation of this constitutional provision, is placing him in an untenable situation where the APNU is called to question.
“Has Mr. Granger had a similar experience like Mr. Ramjattan, and if so what must the public believe…Given what Mr. Ramjattan said, the lawlessness by those who seek to bribe public officials to act contrary to the interest of the people is troubling.”
Lewis also questions what is Granger’s incentive not to act?
“Mr. Granger needs to be wary of his quality of decision-making that is becoming associated with APNU and the case of the Linden electricity issue being a recent scenario.”
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