The Alliance For Change today voiced concerns that Guyana’s relations with international accountability body, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) could be in jeopardy as a key report is still to be completed.
The situation at the Guyana-EITI (GYEITI) had also come under scrutiny since the government installed one of its former media czars, Dr Prem Misir as its head instead of renewing the contract of Dr Rudy Jadoopat who had had several years of experience in the position. Dr Misir has reportedly proceeded on leave and it is unclear how the key report will be completed. Questions have also been raised about Dr Misir’s hiring of an administrator in violation of EITI standards.
An abridged statement from the AFC follows:
“In view of what is happening at GY-EITI since the removal of Dr. Rudy Jadopat, the PPP Government has hardened its position to disassociate from the global body not wanting to live by the high standards it sets.
“The 4th report of the GYEITI is due on December 31, 2022 and from all appearances that report is nowhere near completion by the new boss Dr. Prem Misir and his team.
To date a proper independent administrator is still to be hired.
Rather, the Minister of National Resources bypassed the multi stakeholder group (MSG) which ought to have prepared and approved the terms of reference for the procurement of independent administrative service and appointed the services of 2021 administrator BDOLLP without any international tender process. This handpicking is a violation of EITI standards.
“The Alliance For Change fears that because of the complete inexperience and incapacity of Dr. Prem Misir in this specialised area, Guyana is likely to be expelled for several violations by the international body EITI.
“Dr. Misir should tender his resignation or be fired and every effort be made to reinstate the services of Dr. Jadoopat who successfully set up and made operational GYEITI (local chapter) for the previous three years”.