President Ramotar says Jagdeo hasn’t lobbied him for contracts, investments

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 July 2014, 17:52 by GxMedia

President Donald Ramotar on Saturday bluntly debunked suggestions that Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo has been lobbying for investors to receive favourable treatment.

“Jagdeo has not spoken with me about any contract. I can say that with all honesty and watch you full in the eye and say it. He has not lobbied me for any contract for anyone,” the Guyanese leader told reporters after a news conference at State House.

“Jagdeo has never asked me to give anybody any contract or any privilege,” he added.

His comments against the background of Jagdeo being present at the turning-of-the sod ceremony for the construction of a hotel by the India-based Sun and Sand Hotels at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

In and out office, Jagdeo has been also a close friend of Dr. Ranjisinghi Ramroop, a key player in the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (NGPC) which has been recently pre-qualified to supply billions of dollars in drugs to state health care institutions.

President Ramotar said he does not like lobbying and lobbyists and instead prefers to ensure that decisions are based on merit. “I think that we should take our deliberate time and evaluate everything and the only thing for me- the most important thing for me- that it is in the interest of the people of this country,” he said.

The Guyana government recently set the prequalification criteria for companies to be eligible to supply pharmaceuticals to publicly owned health care institutions.