HGP Nightly News – The Government of Guyana has paused the award of small contractor contracts in Region Four after concerns were raised during the signing process. The temporary suspension affects Phase One of the contract awards under the public pre-qualification system for small contractors seeking government projects valued at $15 million and under.
In a statement, the government said the decision was taken to allow further verification before the process moves ahead. It said the additional review is intended to ensure that the award system remains transparent, fair and accountable.
The small contractor pre-qualification exercise opened on March 2 and closed on April 6, after an extension was granted. Applications were submitted online through the government’s procurement website, while public notices were also placed in daily newspapers.
According to the government, more than 10,000 persons applied through the online platform.
Following the close of applications, technical staff and ministers carried out checks to screen applicants and identify possible irregularities. These included duplicate submissions and cases where more than one business appeared to be connected to the same household or family.
The government said those checks were necessary to prevent any person, family or group from gaining an unfair advantage in the distribution of contracts.
Public signing exercises recently began for the first phase of contract awards under the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.
However, the Region Four exercise was interrupted after complaints and concerns were brought to the government’s attention.
As a result, the government said it will conduct additional investigations and verification checks before continuing with the awards.
The statement stressed that the review of more than 10,000 applications is a major task and should not be treated as a simple exercise.
“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,” the government stated.
The administration said it remains committed to giving small contractors equal access to opportunities and ensuring that public contracts are distributed fairly.
“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 added.
The Region Four process will remain suspended while the additional checks are completed.
