Dear Editor,
In light of my disclosure through a press statement made as Director for a private firm, SphereX Professional Services Inc. (hereinafter “SphereX”), wherein SphereX terminated a contract with ExxonMobil Guyana (hereinafter “EMGL”), a Stabroek News (SN) reporter, Khadidja Ba, wrote to the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), where I sit as a Commissioner, enquiring whether the PPC was ever made aware of my business relationship with EMGL, and whether any conflict of interest was appropriately disclosed by me involving EMGL.
First and foremost, let me say that as an independent constitutional office holder, serving the public’s interests, I am duty bound to subject myself to this level of public scrutiny. I would therefore like to thank SN for this opportunity, as I welcome these enquiries, which I am more than happy and willing to address.
The PPC is well aware of my private consulting practice through the aforementioned firm (SphereX). As regards conflicts of interest at the PPC’s level and my previous business relationship with EMGL; to date, there hasn’t been any matter regarding EMGL that has ever engaged the attention of the Commission for a decision or deliberation. As such, there was never any conflict-of-interest situation specific to EMGL and me as a commissioner of the Public Procurement Commission.
Moreover, it is important to note, too, that EMGL has nothing to do with the Public Procurement Commission, per se; since EMGL does not tender for government contracts. Accordingly, EMGL’s operation is governed by the Petroleum Agreement (2016), the Local Content Act, the Petroleum Activities Act, and the Environmental Protection Act. Thus, there is absolutely no conflict of interest. Suffice it to state, the PPC’s records would confirm, however, that whenever a conflict of interest arose, I promptly made such disclosure and recused myself accordingly.
Sincerely,
Joel Bhagwandin