Education Ministry refutes false claims on textbook procurement process

The Ministry of Education has addressed false allegations about textbook purchases and provided a thorough process for selecting and procuring books for students in Guyana.

According to a statement from the ministry, the procurement begins with a selection process by the Textbook Committee. The committee includes teachers who selects the most suitable books based on relevance and recommendations for example from the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC).

This is followed by procurement where publishers or distributors are contacted for quotes. During this period, price negotiations may occur after due to the volume of books to be purchased. After this, approval is sought from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

Cabinet gives the final approval before contracts are signed.

“A Cabinet no objection is then sought in accordance with the Procurement Act and once that is given, an award is prepared and a contract, entered into.

“When purchased books are delivered, the vendor is paid,” the ministry stated in a release.

The ministry was responding to a post on social media that suggested cheques were issued for overpriced textbooks before the 2025 National Budget was passed.

“Contrary to the offending post, no cheque was cut for any of the named books in the quotation or to the publisher or at all, as alleged. The Minister is without the ability and/or jurisdiction to cut or order the cutting of cheques. In law or in fact. And in any event, said cheques could not be cut as alleged as there were no releases yet from the Ministry of Finance.

“The Book Distribution Unit was merely being proactive in getting quotations for the books that are needed in the system,” the ministry clarified in the statement.