Defense Procurement: Fair Play or Favoritism?

Were some companies formed to cash in on government contracts? That is the question now emerging from the Ministry of Defense procurement scandal. A growing number of businesses linked to the controversy were established after the Briceño administration came into office. PSU President Dean Flowers says the timing points to a troubling pattern, one that may suggest insider knowledge, political connections, and a procurement system tilted in favor of select newcomers.

 

Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union

“The first thing you have to look at, the first thing the public has to examine is what is the registration and establishment date of the business. Ok 2022, is it a related party transaction? Yes, no, yes. So, this signals that somebody had insider information that said, “bway we need certain goods and services”. Create a company, submit a bid and we will ensure you get a bid or part of a bid. I have been saying this since I took office in 2021. I have been asking this question, let us see who the new millionaires under this administration will be especially where the pharmaceutical mafia is concerned. That is why I said, it would appear that most companies formulated after the general elections, can and will never survive without government, because that is where the connect happens.”

 

And while there is no tangible evidence to support these claims, Flowers insists that these timelines must also form part of the ongoing audit.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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