Dear Editor,
I refer to a news item on page 19 of your edition of January 9, 2008, headed “Parliament staff tasting way through prospective caterers.”
Mrs Marjorie Kirkpatrick’s report to you that the selection process is ongoing and all of the tendering companies’ goodies are being sampled is inaccurate. It is also not true that a contract has not yet been awarded.
Since you have reported on this matter on several occasions at the instance of Kirkpatrick’s Catering, without reference to the Parliament Office, kindly permit me to settle the issue by relating the facts.
About two years ago when the Parliament Office was seeking funds from the Ministry of Finance to pay Kirkpatrick’s Catering for services rendered, it was pointed out by the ministry that the Parliament Office was in breach of regulations in not selecting its caterer by a periodic tendering process. The Parliamentary Management Committee (PMC) considered the matter. I was then instructed by the Hon Mr Speaker of the National Assembly to advertise for a caterer for the supply of meals pursuant to the discussions in the PMC and in accordance with regulations. The first advertisement did not result in a competitive process and was repeated. An independent Tender Committee was appointed by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board to evaluate the tenders and make a recommendation. This is the normal practice.
The premises and the facilities of the successful bidder were inspected by Officers of the Parliament Office. Being satisfied that the bidder had the capacity and a high standard of food security, a contact for a probationary period was signed.
Catering services have since been provided by the successful bidder. Reports received by the Parliament Office from the Members of Parliament and other consumers suggest that there is a broad and distinct satisfaction with the services being provided.
At no time was there any “tasting” process of “goodies” or otherwise being carried out by either Parliament staff or Members of Parliament. Such a comment seeks to denigrate the Parliament staff and is offensive.
I hope this answers all the questions which have now and in the past been raised by your newspaper.
Yours faithfully,
SE Isaacs
Clerk of the National Assembly
Editor’s note
On January 8, Stabroek News called Parliament Office to speak to either Mr Isaacs or his Deputy Ms Coonjah but neither was available. For the story that appeared in September, 2007 Stabroek News had contacted Ms Coonjah who declined to speak.
