The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) Meets with the Law Reform Commission (LRC) to explore working relationship to improve the Procurement Act
The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) Meets with the Law Reform Commission (LRC) to explore working relationship to improve the Procurement Act
Georgetown, 11 April 2024 – In a move aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the public procurement process, the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) convened a pivotal meeting with the Law Reform Commission (LRC). The meeting, held at the offices of the PPC situated at 262 New Garden Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, sought to foster collaboration between the two entities towards modernizing and strengthening the existing Procurement Act.
Representatives from both commissions were present at the meeting. From the Public Procurement Commission were Mr. Berkley Wickham, Deputy Chairman; Mr. Rajnarine Singh and Mr. Joel Bhagwandin, Commissioners; Mr. Micheal Singh, CEO; Ms. Bibi Shabena Ali, Head of Legal; Ms. Esther Osborne, Attorney at Law; and Ms. Samantha Sheoprashad, Public Relations Officer. The Law Reform Commission was represented by Ms. Emily Dodson, Chairman; Mr. Lennox Shuman; Ms. Clarissa Riehl; Ms. Wendy Denauth, Secretary; and Reshma Persaud. Additionally, Mr. Teni Housty and Ms. Deenawatie Panday, Commissioners of the LRC participated virtually.
The meeting facilitated comprehensive dialogue on critical aspects on the legislative framework of the public procurement system. Guided by its function set out in Article 212AA(1)(f) of the Constitution of Guyana, the PPC seeks to collaborate with the LRC to create a new avenue in reviewing the existing public procurement legislation and to make recommendations for appropriate improvement. This venture is to optimize and modernize the public procurement procedures in Guyana.
The Law Reform Commission, functioning as an advisory body to the state, plays a crucial role in recommending amendments to existing laws, drafting new legislation, and advocating for the repeal of outdated laws. This statutory body established on August 11, 2021, ensures that the legal framework of the country remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs and dynamics of the society.
Mr. Berkley Wickham, representing the PPC, and Ms. Emily Dodson, representing the Law Reform Commission, opened the meeting expressing mutual interest in modernizing the subsisting Procurement Act. Emphasis was placed on the need for legislative changes to align with regional and global procurement trends, in keeping with international best practices, as well as the growing importance of e-procurement worldwide.
The meeting, chaired by Mr. Berkley Wickham, focused on agenda items including:
1. Creation of a working group between the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) and Law Reform Commission (LRC) to formulate key recommendations.
2. Drafting of terms of reference (TOR) to guide the collaborative efforts between the PPC and LRC.
3. Establishment of a structural framework for operation, delineating roles, responsibilities, and procedures for effective collaboration.
4. Appointment of nominees from both commissions to represent their respective interests and ensure active participation in the collaborative process.
5. Commitment to building upon existing frameworks while actively striving for improvement in the public procurement process.
For further information, please contact the Public Procurement Commission at (592) 226-3729, (592) 231-7306, and (592) 226-2364 or via email at publicprocurement@ppc.org.gy.
