Government recommits to transparency; in search of another storage bond

Cabinet at its most recent meeting engaged in a thorough discussion on the controversial deal between the government and Linden Holdings Inc. to store government’s medicine and medical supplies.

In a statement on Thursday, the government disclosed that cabinet concluded that the arrangement to rent the privately owned Sussex Street facility was “undoubtedly undesirable”.

To remedy the issue, cabinet said it is looking at options which include shortening the lease period for the rental of the Sussex Street facility while expediting the search for another facility.

With a rent of $12.5M per month, the bond which was sole sourced, was leased for a three year period.

It was further disclosed that the government is already exploring a range of options including the construction of its own storage bond. In this regard, it is inspecting suitable sites.

The Government recommitted itself to managing the affairs of the state in a transparent and accountable manner and to respect public opinion at all times noting that the frank expression of views is vital to true participatory and inclusionary democracy.

“Cabinet recommitted itself to be vigilant with regard to all contracts and arrangements and assure the people of Guyana that efforts will continue to strengthen the delivery of health care services which, for too long, have been held hostage by close friends and cronies of the previous administration,” the administration said.

Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton has since taken responsibility for the imbroglio and has publicly expressed regrets over the controversy that the rental of the Sussex Street bond has engendered.