The Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP) has identified that if Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz will not be held accountable for breaching procurement legal guidelines, it might set a harmful precedent.
The matter stems from a report from the Auditor Basic (AG) which outlined breaches within the procurement of some Star Hyperlink gadgets within the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa final 12 months.
The AG stated the gadgets had been procured by ministerial order from Mr. Vaz, as an alternative of by the Director Basic of the Workplace of Catastrophe Preparedness and Emergency Administration (ODPEM); moreover, as much as January, most of the gadgets had been nonetheless in storage, unused.
In response to the AG’s report, Mr. Vaz said that he did nothing fallacious and that he acted within the curiosity of public good.
JAMP Government Director Jeanette Calder famous that this example extends past a single procurement transaction.
She stated whereas a lot is made of fine intentions as justification for any and all actions, when such actions breach current legislation and insurance policies and can’t cross assessments of clear, accountable stewardship and worth for cash, good outcomes are compromised.
Ms. Calder stated impunity for the actors provides permission for others to observe go well with, leading to a cycle of poor governance and the circumstances of these most in want remaining the identical.
She rubbished the minister’s forms declare.
The JAMP govt has referred to as for 3 principal cures: for Cupboard to uphold the legislation; for Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee to overview the AG’s report and for the Director Basic of ODPEM to account for his function within the course of.
Ms. Calder stated the federal government shouldn’t take the ‘meant nicely’ response as an excuse for breaching legal guidelines.
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