Dear Editor,
I prepared this note under the stressful conditions of a blackout Friday morning which lasted from approximately 9:00 am to 13:00 hours and we now hear that the national grid will be supported by Karpowership. We are fed up with these statements and pious promises. Any person with a modicum of intelligence knows that the success of a venture requires the proverbial three ends, money, machinery and management. In today’s Guyana, there is no shortage of money and therefore the acquisition of machinery. It appears, Editor, that the missing link vital to making optimum use of money and machinery is management.
The PPP administration seems to have an obsession that the well-funded PR machinery or simply put, propaganda machinery is a substitute for good, competent, professionally given management. The stress and strain of almost daily blackouts exposes this misunderstanding. A misunderstanding of the importance of management that is causing misery to our people. It is becoming abundantly clear that this Administration is wedded to the concept that the management of every sector of government is the preservation of persons whose prequalification is party membership, party friends and families or as we say, political cronies. This seem to be Guyana’s dilemma. Tragic, but true. On April 2, 2024 in a letter copied to the two of the President’s advisors, I asked as every citizen is entitled to ask the following:-
(1) Who or which agency recommended the acquisition/supply of these recent acquired generators?
(2) How much did that advice/recommendation offered cost us?
(3) What is the cost of each and every generator unit?
(4) Were these units (as we say) brand new, and if new, date and place of manufacture and was there a guarantee?
(5) If not new, were they reconditioned, second-hand and if reconditioned, which reputable group or agency certifies its efficiency and effectiveness?
(6) Was there an agency involved in the whole transaction, if so what were their fees?
(7) Where are these units located?
(8) What maintenance procedures are in place to ensure that the units perform to their optimum?
(9) Finally, is the Government satisfied that they put in charge of this vital sector the best qualified persons available? The majority of Guyanese are entitled to clear truthful answers.
To date, there has been no response, and Editor, I ask you to assist on behalf of suffering citizens to obtain truthful answers. I also now ask the cost of this latest proposal announced by VP Jagdeo, on Saturday, that they, the government, is close to sealing a two-year deal with Turkish power supply company – Karpowership – for 36 megawatts from a ship (ship, is the last letter the correct consonant?) to help offset peak demand. That is not a joke. My other question is, who has the ministerial responsibility for the power sector? I thought it was the Hon. Prime Minister.
Sincerely,
Hamilton Green
Elder