Tepui Group Inc. Blacklisted
By Travis Chase | HGP Nightly news |
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — In a major move to address stagnant infrastructure projects, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha has announced the blacklisting of 30 contracting firms, including Tepui Group Inc., owned by social media personality Mikhail Rodrigues, popularly known as the “Guyanese Critic.”
The disclosure came during Day 2 of the 2026 Budget Estimates, as the Committee of Supply scrutinized the $16 billion allocation for the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). Minister Mustapha confirmed that the Ministry has officially recommended to the National Procurement and Tendering Administration Board (NPTAB) that these “delinquent” firms be barred from future government contracts.
The Belle Vue Pump Station Failure
The blacklisting of Tepui Group stems from the controversial $865 million contract awarded in 2023 for the construction of the Belle Vue Pump Station on the West Bank of Demerara.
Key Facts of the Project:
- Original Award: The contract was awarded to Tepui Group despite widespread public criticism that the firm lacked the specialized experience required for high-capacity pump station construction.
- Termination: Following consistent delays and “poor performance,” the Ministry terminated the contract.
- Current Progress: Minister Mustapha informed MP Ganesh Mahipaul that the project is currently only 29% completed.
- Recovery: The Minister noted that a performance bond is in place, and the Ministry is moving to recoup costs from the firm.
GAICO Steps In; Ministry Shifts Strategy
To save the Belle Vue project, GAICO Construction and General Services Inc. was brought on board as a subcontractor in late 2025 to execute the remaining technical works. Minister Mustapha clarified that the work initially completed by Tepui was largely limited to site excavation.
A New Approach to Drainage: Due to the “consistent challenges” with civil contractors failing to deliver pump stations on time, the Ministry of Agriculture is shifting its 2026 strategy:
- Mobile Pumps: Instead of relying solely on fixed stations, a significant portion of the budget will now be used to procure high-capacity mobile pumps to provide immediate flood relief.
- Retention Projects: Of the $16 billion NDIA budget, $10.7 billion is already tied up in multi-year projects and retention payments for existing contracts.
Accountability for the “Dirty Thirty”
The list of 30 blacklisted contractors was submitted to the NPTAB in the final quarter of 2025. Minister Mustapha emphasized that the Ministry will formally object to any future bids submitted by these companies for agricultural projects.
“These are delinquent contractors,” Mustapha told the Committee. “We have sent that list to the National Procurement Board so that if in the future those companies tender for jobs at the Ministry of Agriculture, we will object to it.”
