Once again Kaieteur News bemoans the alleged lack of explanation/answers from the Ministry of Agriculture relating to the execution of Government projects and procurement of equipment and other services.
Kaieteur News has been invited to the signing of all contacts to procure equipment, services and the execution of civil works, However, KN has consistently failed to ask questions or seek clarification at these contract signing occasions or make objections during public advertising. Instead, blatant attempts are made to twist the issues at hand.
Every attempt to distort facts by the Kaieteur News has been met with numerous responses by the Ministry of Agriculture or its agencies. These have been ignored as some of the responses were not published; or those that were, did not provide a true reflection of the response. If the management of KN was true in their intentions to ensure that taxpayers’ dollars were wisely spent, and to have the public well informed surely the justifications provided should have been carried. Isn’t this selective journalism?
The explanations once again sought by the KN relate to the methods used for the award of contracts to supply, install, and repair drainage and irrigation pumps and to whom the contracts were awarded.
It seems as though the memory of KN is short-lived as this process was explained on numerous occasions by the Ministry of Agriculture and even the Ministry of Finance. (Attachments provided)
The Ministry of Agricul-ture remains committed to answer all questions but Kaieteur News must treat the issues fully and consistently and not allow the perception that there is some hidden agenda behind its selective reporting.
Attached herewith are responses that KN failed to publish or which were not given equal prominence as the questions that were asked. (Attachments provided)
All for your information.
Yours faithfully,
George Jervis
Deputy Permanent
Secretary (Admin)
Ministry of Agriculture
