{"id":17909,"date":"2021-08-12T21:53:21","date_gmt":"2021-08-13T02:53:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev?p=17909"},"modified":"2021-08-26T10:34:26","modified_gmt":"2021-08-26T15:34:26","slug":"disregarding-procurement-rules-a-troubling-culture-within-bvi-govts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/disregarding-procurement-rules-a-troubling-culture-within-bvi-govts\/","title":{"rendered":"Disregarding procurement rules a troubling culture within BVI gov\u2019ts"},"content":{"rendered":"

A pervasive culture of disregarding rules and procedures in government has left Auditor General (AG) Sonia Webster with some amount of concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

During a live hearing of the Commission of Inquiry (COI), Webster said she found that it was becoming acceptable within the government to disregard procurement requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think there needs to be an understanding that those rules are put in place to protect the government,\u201d Webster said. \u201cThey\u2019re put in place to protect transparency.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Webster said the absence of these measures creates what she describes as \u2018a slippery slope\u2019. The AG also said she is concerned that if the practice is not arrested, it will be a very costly exercise for the BVI in the long run.<\/span><\/p>\n

The issue of disregard for procurement procedures is one with which Webster said she has become intimately familiar in her 30-year tenure inside the office of the AG.<\/span><\/p>\n

Webster said she has seen a willingness in public officers to basically bypass the rules and make excuses for having bypassed them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Contract splitting lacks transparency<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

According to the AG, contract splitting has been and continues to be one of the biggest issues that circumvent the rules of procurement. She also described it as the most basic form of circumvention of tendering requirements and said the practise was not being regulated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe regulations in place for public procurement are insufficient to ensure transparency and value-for-money [when there is] contract splitting,\u201d the AG noted.<\/span><\/p>\n

She said the practice of contract splitting risks incidents of cronyism, favouritism, poor value for money, and the hiring of inexperienced contractors.<\/span><\/p>\n

She recommended that the regulations for public tender be reviewed for improved transparency.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even as the AG decried the practice, at least two former ministers in the previous National Democratic Party government who gave testimony during the COI, stated emphatically that Cabinet has the authority to override procurement regulations by splitting major contracts into smaller ones.<\/span><\/p>\n

more<\/a><\/p>\n

image: pexels-cytonn-photography<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A pervasive culture of disregarding rules and procedures in government has left Auditor General (AG) Sonia Webster with some amount of concern. During a live hearing of the Commission of…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1091,"featured_media":17910,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[112],"tags":[75,125],"class_list":["post-17909","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-newsdevelopments","tag-british-virgin-islands","tag-public-procurement"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/pexels-cytonn-photography-955394-scaled-e1644524676129.jpg?fit=1025%2C684&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6u9Qa-4ER","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":25251,"url":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/press-statement-from-governor-of-the-british-virgin-islands-mr-john-rankin-cmg\/","url_meta":{"origin":17909,"position":0},"title":"Press Statement From Governor of the British Virgin Islands Mr John Rankin CMG","author":"Mayra Bonilla Lopez","date":"November 24, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Births Virgin Island On the 4th October I was pleased to publish the first Quarterly Review of the Framework for Implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry Report and Other Reforms which was agreed between the UK and Government of National Unity.\u00a0 The Quarterly Review is a key\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Articles"","block_context":{"text":"Articles","link":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/category\/articles\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5668879-scaled-e1669327426305.jpg?fit=682%2C752&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5668879-scaled-e1669327426305.jpg?fit=682%2C752&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5668879-scaled-e1669327426305.jpg?fit=682%2C752&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6601,"url":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/fahie-promises-enhanced-contract-issuing-laws-under-vip-govt\/","url_meta":{"origin":17909,"position":1},"title":"Fahie promises enhanced contract-issuing laws under VIP gov\u2019t","author":"Michele Marius","date":"August 27, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"A law that will ensure more transparency in the way government contracts are administered might become implemented if the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) is elected as the next BVI government. VIP Chairman and opposition leader Andrew Fahie is branding that law as the Contractor General legislation. He said this legislation\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News\/Developments"","block_context":{"text":"News\/Developments","link":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/category\/newsdevelopments\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Shelf-of-Legal-Books-freestocks.org-Pexels.jpeg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Shelf-of-Legal-Books-freestocks.org-Pexels.jpeg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Shelf-of-Legal-Books-freestocks.org-Pexels.jpeg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Shelf-of-Legal-Books-freestocks.org-Pexels.jpeg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":35025,"url":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/pintard-condemns-blatant-disregard-for-procurement-laws-in-bpl-reform-process\/","url_meta":{"origin":17909,"position":2},"title":"Pintard condemns \u201cblatant disregard\u201d for procurement laws in BPL reform process","author":"Mayra Bonilla Lopez","date":"July 4, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Bahamas Opposition Leader Michael Pintard raised concerns yesterday regarding the Davis administration\u2019s energy reform exercise, arguing that while some elements underwent competitive bidding, other critical aspects blatantly disregarded procurement laws. Energy and Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis informed Parliament during her budget debate contribution on Wednesday that the government has contracted\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Articles"","block_context":{"text":"Articles","link":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/category\/articles\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Law-scrabble-tiles-CQF-Avocat-Pexels-e1649276824460.jpeg?fit=1024%2C684&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Law-scrabble-tiles-CQF-Avocat-Pexels-e1649276824460.jpeg?fit=1024%2C684&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Law-scrabble-tiles-CQF-Avocat-Pexels-e1649276824460.jpeg?fit=1024%2C684&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Law-scrabble-tiles-CQF-Avocat-Pexels-e1649276824460.jpeg?fit=1024%2C684&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19882,"url":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/house-considers-procurement-bill\/","url_meta":{"origin":17909,"position":3},"title":"House considers procurement bill","author":"Mayra Bonilla Lopez","date":"December 16, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"British Virgin Islands A proposed new procurement law is designed to promote international commerce while ensuring that the government\u2019s contractor selection process is transparent and fair to Virgin Islands businesses, according to Premier Andrew Fahie. Mr. Fahie brought the\u00a0Public Procurement Act, 2021\u00a0for a second reading on Nov. 1 in the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Articles"","block_context":{"text":"Articles","link":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/category\/articles\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Law-scrabble-tiles-CQF-Avocat-Pexels-e1649276824460.jpeg?fit=1024%2C684&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Law-scrabble-tiles-CQF-Avocat-Pexels-e1649276824460.jpeg?fit=1024%2C684&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Law-scrabble-tiles-CQF-Avocat-Pexels-e1649276824460.jpeg?fit=1024%2C684&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Law-scrabble-tiles-CQF-Avocat-Pexels-e1649276824460.jpeg?fit=1024%2C684&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":31233,"url":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/remarks-by-premier-wheatley-at-oecs-meeting-opening-ceremony\/","url_meta":{"origin":17909,"position":4},"title":"Remarks by Premier Wheatley at OECS Meeting Opening Ceremony","author":"Mayra Bonilla Lopez","date":"November 23, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Caribbean Welcome Remarks by Honourable. Natalio D. Wheatley Premier and Minister of Finance 36th OECS\/Pooled Procurement Service (PPS) Policy Board Meeting and 9th OECS Council of Health Ministers Meeting His Excellency, Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The Honourable Sir Molwyn Joseph, Outgoing\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Articles"","block_context":{"text":"Articles","link":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/category\/articles\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Meeting-modern-room-conference-Pixabay-pexels.jpeg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Meeting-modern-room-conference-Pixabay-pexels.jpeg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Meeting-modern-room-conference-Pixabay-pexels.jpeg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":25994,"url":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/integrity-commission-wants-registry-that-will-expose-negligent-contractors\/","url_meta":{"origin":17909,"position":5},"title":"Integrity Commission wants registry that will expose negligent contractors","author":"Michele Marius","date":"January 19, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Jamaica THE Integrity Commission (IC) is urging the Government to implement a public contract management system or registry that will essentially put contractors who fall down on their obligations on blast. The recommendation comes against the background of the findings of a special investigation which the commission conducted in January\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Articles"","block_context":{"text":"Articles","link":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/category\/articles\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Corruption-Pix4Free.jpg?fit=1024%2C682&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Corruption-Pix4Free.jpg?fit=1024%2C682&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Corruption-Pix4Free.jpg?fit=1024%2C682&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Corruption-Pix4Free.jpg?fit=1024%2C682&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17909","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1091"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17909"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17909\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17923,"href":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17909\/revisions\/17923"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17910"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17909"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17909"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projectcalls.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17909"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}