Govt accounting officers warned of consequences in breaches of procurement rules

…as VP tightens focus on accountability, transparency in Govt operations

Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday warned Permanent Secretaries (PSs), Regional Executive Officers (REOs) and other senior public officials that breaches of procurement and financial regulations will carry consequences as Government moves to strengthen accountability and oversight across the public sector. Jagdeo convened a meeting at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) with several Ministers, all PSs, REOs, accounting officers of key semi-autonomous agencies and other officials. The discussions focused on measures to improve management across Ministries, regions and public sector agencies, with particular attention to accountability and transparency in procurement transactions, Government payment systems and the dissemination of information to the public.
Jagdeo stressed the responsibility of PSs and REOs to ensure compliance with the relevant laws and regulations while maintaining sound and efficient management of public resources entrusted to their respective Ministries, regions and agencies. The meeting also examined initiatives to strengthen the tracking of compliance, including monitoring procurement and payment systems. According to the Government, the officials were cautioned that breaches and violations of established procedures would result in consequences for those responsible. Jagdeo also reaffirmed the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s commitment to improving the delivery of public services, including through the use of modern technology. He said the measures are intended to improve citizens’ interactions with State institutions, enhance the quality of public services and contribute to an improved quality of life. The latest meeting follows a similar engagement held on May 13, when President Dr Irfaan Ali and Jagdeo met with cabinet members, REO, PSs, officials from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) and accounting officers from the regions. At that meeting, Ali described public office as a “sacred trust” and stressed that public funds must be used to advance citizens’ welfare and national development.
The Government had also announced plans to use technological tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to monitor procurement processes, improve efficiency and detect improper practices. Both Ali and Jagdeo had warned that violations of financial and procurement procedures could result in serious consequences, including removal from office where warranted.