Implement good law

“It is the TTCA’S position that recent reports; via the media, related to Special Purpose Government Agencies that are awarding construction contracts, would have had different outcomes if the procurement processes were governed by the proposed procurement legislation.” Although the TTCA made no specific mention of State agencies, the most recent allegation of misuse of funds involves the Education Facilities Company Limited (EFCL). Former education minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh, in a statement issued on June 3, called on the remaining board members to follow the example of their now-former chairman, Arnold Piggott, and resign.

Gopeesingh said Piggott’s resignation followed serious allegations of corruption, big rigging, abuse of office, squander and worker victimisation.

“Details of these include the fixing of million-dollar contracts to favour cronies of the PNM; disbarring certain previous contractors, re-opening closed tenders, misuse of funds, awarding a deal in excess of $50 million to a contractor who scored the lowest in the evaluation process and overall abuse of the public’s trust,” Gopeesingh claimed.

He argued that the remaining EFCL director had “no moral authority to continue to cling onto public office in the face of these extensive and shocking revelations which, if substantiated by the audit that is currently being undertaken by the Ministry of Finance and Attorney General, point to misconduct, illegal activities and gross misbehaviour in public life.” Meanwhile the TTCA reiterated its commitment to ensuring “that value for money” is obtained across all State-funded projects. The association also offered to partner with all stakeholders to support the implementation of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act (2015).