President warns public officials of severe consequences for procurement breaches, financial misconduct

Severe consequences, including removal from office where necessary, will be imposed for breaches of procurement and financial procedures, President Dr. Irfaan Ali warned on Wednesday as he signalled a tightening of oversight across government administration.
President Ali and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo met with Cabinet members, soon-to-be-appointed Regional Executive Officers, Permanent Secretaries, officials from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, and accounting officers from all regions, to reinforce government’s emphasis on accountability, transparency, fiscal prudence and improved service delivery.
The President said public office carries a “sacred trust” and stressed that every dollar spent must advance national development and improve citizens’ welfare.
He added that all procurement systems, including regional tender boards, must operate with full transparency and strict adherence to the law.
Ali said the government will increasingly rely on technological tools, including artificial intelligence, to monitor procurement processes, improve efficiency and detect irregular practices.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said every expenditure must be assessed based on its contribution to national development and citizens’ welfare, as the government strengthens oversight systems, reduces waste and reinforces transparency and accountability in governance.