Latest update April 25th, 2024 12:59 AM
Oct 29, 2016 News
A number of persons have reportedly confided that improper procurement activities have been occurring within the Ministry of Public Health. Consequently, Cabinet has called for an inquiry to ascertain the credibility of statements that suggest that there are issues with the Ministry’s procurement process.
The foregoing was highlighted by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon during this week’s hosting of the Post Cabinet press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency.
Harmon disclosed that the issue of the Ministry’s procurement process was a matter that was raised at the most recent Cabinet meeting.
According to the Minister of State, “what we have are statements (that) have been made by several persons that came to the attention of the Minister and so Cabinet decided that an investigation will be launched into these reports and into these allegations.”
He however told media operatives yesterday that the important issue to understand in matters of this nature is that “when people make allegations they must be prepared to come and give that information to a properly constituted inquiry.”
But according to him, “sometimes that is the problem that we have, that someone is willing to quietly whisper something in your ear, but they are not prepared to come to an inquiry to say this is what we have found, this is what I know, and this is what I am prepared to say.”
Against this background, Harmon said that the whole process of putting in place an inquiry to determine the truth of the matter could in fact prove to be a challenge. The potential challenge, however, will not be a hindrance to the process, according to Harmon, “because of the seriousness with which the administration views matters of this nature, the Cabinet has agreed to have an investigation launched into this matter.”
A body to investigate the damning allegations is likely to be established by next week, Harmon said.
Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton had told this publication that a recommendation was made for an investigation of the Ministry, and persons might have to be absent for that to be properly done. This publication has received word that among the persons likely to be sent on administrative leave to facilitate the investigation will be the Ministry’s acting Permanent Secretary, Mr. Trevor Thomas.
However, the Public Health Minister after being pressed neither confirmed nor denied plans to send the Permanent Secretary on administrative leave to facilitate the investigation.
He, however, divulged that the need for the investigation was prompted by “allegations of unwholesome activities with respect to procurement” that have surfaced.
Just last year Government was forced to terminate the employment of former Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Public Health, Mr. Leslie Cadogan. Cadogan was first asked to proceed on accumulated leave in July and by September, following an investigation, his service was terminated.
Thomas was since appointed to act in the capacity of Permanent Secretary.
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