Despite intense questioning by members of the parliamentary opposition about government’s hold-up of the European Union (EU) funded Micro-Projects programme, Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh would only say that concerns were not related to particular projects or communities.
The EU-funded programme had been held-up by the government with Singh earlier telling parliament that the government had “administrative concerns” regarding the projects and Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon stating that the action was taken because certain expectations were not met.
Responding in parliament yesterday to a question on the matter, which had been tabled by Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Raphael Trotman, the Finance Minister repeated the two reasons. He, however, said that the concerns did not relate to specific projects or communities.
He said that the agreement between the EU and the government had a number of conditions attached to it and it has come to the government’s awareness that “some expectations have not been met”. Asked whether government was providing any money to be disbursed for the project, he answered in the negative.
With regards to whether government was reviewing its general policy regarding aid and assistance by foreign governments and aid institutions, the finance minister said that there was no single discrete review ongoing.
Asked by AFC Member of Parliament (MP), Sheila Holder whether he thought that the non-governmental organizations involved were entitled to an explanation for the delay, Singh asked the Speaker whether this question could be asked. Speaker Ralph Ramkarran indicated that it could be asked. “If you adopt a creative posture, you can answer the question”, he said. The finance minister then said that government’s predominant concern is that the objectives of the projects are reached.
Singh stated that government is committed with the parties to a timely resolution and asked by PNCR-1G MP, Mervyn Williams whether government would support an extension of the deadline; the minister stated that this would depend on the discussions.
Thirty-nine projects had been granted initial approval but they have since been held up. August 17 is the deadline for the tapping of the EU funds but a source told Stabroek News recently that there has been an extension to November.
Under the EU programme, which began in 2005, groups are invited to submit proposals for funding on micro projects. Programme Manager of the project, Jimmy Bhojedat had told Stabroek News earlier that his office would ensure that all the requirements were met by applicants before passing on the proposals to the micro project board, which would review and evaluate the proposals before crafting a short list, which is sent to the European Commission and the Guyana Government. He said the final decision rests with the administration to approve the contracts.
Bhojedat said that he has been aware of an earlier endorsement by the government, but he had been subsequently advised to hold off inviting applicants to sign their contracts. He could not comment on why there had been a change, although he acknowledged that he had sought to find out, but had gotten no answer.
