President, Vice President warn of severe consequences for procurement breaches

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday (May 13, 2026), convened a high-level meeting with Cabinet members, soon-to-be-appointed Regional Executive Officers (REOs), Permanent Secretaries, officers from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), and Accounting Officers from all administrative regions, reaffirming the Government’s uncompromising commitment to accountability, transparency, fiscal prudence, and improved service delivery throughout the public sector.

The engagement focused heavily on strengthening governance systems, improving procurement oversight, and ensuring that public resources are utilised responsibly to support national development priorities and enhance the welfare of citizens.

Addressing the gathering, President Ali underscored that public office carries what he described as a “sacred trust,” reminding officials that every decision made and every dollar spent must directly contribute to improving the lives of the people and advancing Guyana’s development agenda.

The President stressed that all procurement systems, including regional tender boards, must function with complete transparency and in strict compliance with the law. He cautioned officials against engaging in unethical or unlawful procurement practices and warned that any breaches of financial regulations or procurement procedures would be met with firm action.

President Ali made it clear that the Government will continue to modernise its oversight mechanisms through the integration of advanced technological systems, including artificial intelligence, to monitor procurement processes, improve efficiency, and identify irregularities or unsavoury practices within the public sector.

According to the President, these enhanced systems are intended to strengthen accountability, increase public confidence in Government operations, and ensure that taxpayer resources are protected from abuse or mismanagement.

He further warned that individuals found violating procurement regulations, including those involved with multiple companies or conflicts of interest in the tendering process, could face severe consequences, including removal from office where necessary.

The Head of State reiterated that transparency and integrity remain central pillars of the Government’s governance framework as Guyana continues to experience rapid economic growth and increased public investment across critical sectors.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo also addressed the officials, reinforcing the Administration’s position that every expenditure undertaken by Government agencies and regional administrations must be evaluated against its contribution to citizens’ welfare and national development.

The Vice President said the Government is intensifying efforts to strengthen oversight systems, eliminate wasteful spending, and improve efficiency throughout the public sector. He noted that accountability and transparency are essential to ensuring that development projects and public programmes deliver tangible benefits to communities across the country.

Dr. Jagdeo further emphasised that public officials have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the execution of their duties, particularly in areas relating to procurement and financial management.

The meeting forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to reinforce institutional accountability and improve administrative efficiency at both the national and regional levels, while ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly and in accordance with established laws and procedures.

Government officials were also reminded that maintaining public trust requires consistent adherence to ethical standards, transparent operations, and responsible stewardship of state resources.

The Administration has repeatedly stated that strengthening governance systems and improving service delivery remain critical components of its development agenda as Guyana continues to expand investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, agriculture, and other priority sectors.

Wednesday’s engagement signals the Government’s continued focus on tightening oversight mechanisms, modernising procurement systems, and ensuring that public spending delivers measurable benefits for citizens nationwide.