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Since returning to office in August 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration has faced renewed scrutiny over public procurement practices, with the opposition and civil society raising concerns about transparency, accountability, and value for taxpayer money (Stabroek News, 2023).
A central allegation is the frequent use of sole-sourced contracts, which critics argue undermines competitive bidding and opens the door to inflated pricing. Opposition Members of Parliament have pointed to several multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects awarded without open tendering. These include roadworks, hospital upgrades, and drainage contracts—some of which, they say, were justified under emergency COVID-19 provisions but continued even as pandemic restrictions eased (Kaieteur News, 2022).
One example often cited is the school feeding programme procurement in 2022, where critics claimed that selected suppliers were not subject to rigorous competition. Similarly, in the health sector, the urgent purchase of COVID-19 medical supplies and equipment drew accusations that procurement laws were being bypassed for convenience rather than genuine emergencies. Government officials have defended these decisions as necessary for rapid response, citing global shortages and the urgency of securing essential goods to protect public health (Auditor General of Guyana Report, 2022).
Additionally, reports in local media have highlighted concerns about the cost escalation of road and bridge contracts. Some projects reportedly saw prices revised upward after award, raising questions about the initial estimates and contract management processes. Calls for full disclosure of variations, contractor selection criteria, and payment schedules have been frequent in Parliament debates and editorials (Stabroek News, 2023).
The government has consistently rejected claims of widespread corruption or mismanagement. Senior officials argue that the Public Procurement Commission, Cabinet reviews, and National Procurement and Tender Administration Board procedures remain in place to ensure oversight. They also point to the need to fast-track long-overdue infrastructure projects after years of underinvestment, arguing that delays in competitive bidding could cost the country opportunities for economic growth and development (Kaieteur News, 2023).
Auditor General reports have occasionally flagged procedural weaknesses or non-compliance in ministries and agencies, recommending tighter controls and documentation. However, systemic reform has been slow, and many procurement shortcomings predate the current administration (Auditor General of Guyana Report, 2023).
Civil society groups, including Transparency Institute Guyana Inc., continue to call for greater disclosure of contract details, more use of competitive bidding, and prompt implementation of the long-discussed electronic procurement system. As Guyana’s oil revenues increase and
government budgets expand, many observers warn that without stronger safeguards, the risk of inflated costs and improper awards will only grow (Transparency Institute Guyana Inc., 2023).
The Guyana Project is an independent media platform delivering fact-checked, ground-level reporting on politics, economy, and public life in Guyana. With a focus on transparency and development, we bring unfiltered news and thoughtful analysis to help shape a more informed, forward-looking nation.
Miscellaneous Procurement Concerns in Guyana: Allegations of Sole-Sourced Contracts and Inflated Spending (2020–present)
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