THE Opposition People's National Party (PNP) says that the publication of Contractor General Greg Christie's report on contract awards for the Olympic athletes homecoming celebrations confirms its worst fears about the Government's approach to procurement procedures.

“This is just another example of this administration's flagrant disregard for and determination to circumvent established procurement procedures. Such procedures were designed to guarantee value for money and avoid the corrupt award of contracts.” Said PNP spokesperson, Lisa Hanna.

Hanna said that the PNP had previously warned that exempting creative services from the Government procurement procedures would allow a 'free for all' and charged the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport of unaccountability in the matter.

She said it was instructive that Christie reported that one of the ministry's main contracts with JAMBIZ International Ltd valued at more than $14 million was dated September 4, 2008 before the changes to the procurement guidelines took effect two weeks later.

“The Opposition agrees with the OCG that notwithstanding exemptions from the guidelines, once GOJ funds are being paid, persons must at all times demonstrate accountability and fiscal responsibility,” she said. “No concession can be made to lower the standard of accountability in the use of public funds, whether they are contributed by tax-payers, the private sector or both”, the Opposition Spokesperson added.

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