By Nigel Williams
The Guyana Government has withdrawn its endorsement of a number of micro projects being funded by the European Union (EU), frustrating more than 30 groups across the country, and putting in jeopardy close to $200M, which was set aside for the programme.
As the deadline for the implementation nears, project coordinators are fearful that Guyana would lose out on the EU funding.
It is not clear why government has withdrawn its endorsement of the proposals. This newspaper was told that in late April the administration had agreed to some 39 projects but subsequently withdrew its approval late last month. Contacted for a comment yesterday the EU Delegation in Guyana would only say that the Guyana government was managing the programme, which is being implemented by the Micro Project office and a board. The EU could not say why the projects were being held up.
Stabroek News was unable to make contact with Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh who is the National Authorising Officer, his deputy, Tarachand Balgobin said he could not speak about the withdrawal of the government endorsement. Efforts to get a comment from Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon proved futile.