Procurement stakeholders trained to strengthen transparency, compliance in public sector system

The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) has completed its procurement training for consultants, suppliers, and contractors, aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and participation in Guyana’s public procurement system.
The training was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and brought together procurement stakeholders from across the country. According to the PPC, the session provided a platform for professional engagement, knowledge sharing, and practical learning on procurement processes.
Chief Executive Officer of the PPC, Michael Singh, said stakeholder education is central to building a transparent, competitive, and legally compliant procurement environment. He said the Commission remains committed to equipping suppliers, contractors, and consultants with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively participate in procurement opportunities and support national development.
Delivering the feature address, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, said public procurement should be viewed as a key instrument of national development rather than only a commercial process. She said each contract awarded contributes to improvements in infrastructure, public services, and overall quality of life.

Teixeira also highlighted the constitutional role of the Public Procurement Commission and stressed the importance of maintaining public trust through integrity, transparency, and accountability. She said procurement activities directly impact the development of schools, roads, bridges, health facilities, and other community infrastructure.
The minister called for a stronger culture of integrity across both public and private sectors, urging contractors and suppliers to maintain professionalism, quality, and reliability in their work. She said trust remains a critical factor in sustaining business and development partnerships.
She also noted the increasing participation of small and medium-sized enterprises, women entrepreneurs, and emerging contractors in Guyana’s procurement system, stating that greater inclusion is creating broader opportunities in the country’s expanding economy.
Presentations during the training were made by PPC Attorney-at-Law Esther Osborne, Training Officer Antonio Yhan, and Procurement Specialist Prakash Sookdeo. The sessions covered legislative requirements, procurement procedures, administrative review mechanisms, and best practices for participation in procurement processes.
Participants engaged in discussions on procurement governance, compliance, and challenges within the system. The PPC said the level of participation reflected growing interest in strengthening procurement standards and improving transparency in the sector.
The Commission said it remains committed to promoting a fair, competitive, and transparent procurement environment as Guyana continues its infrastructure expansion and economic growth. It thanked participants for their engagement and contributions to the training programme.