Press Release

5th February, 2021

Ministry of Public Works

Press Statement

Title- Minister Edghill Responds to fallacious statements made by former Minister David Patterson

(20th January 2021) The Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill is responding to the statements made by the former Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, in relation to gifts purchased for himself and former Junior Minister, Annette Ferguson during their tenure.

David Patterson’s failed attempt to exonerate and shift blame by separating himself from the Agencies that he oversaw is not even being accepted by the gullible among his support base. His “slip is showing” as our respected elders would say. Notice is also taken of his second statement which came later in the day and is now seeking to obfuscate. This is another exercise in futility, and clearly expresses to the world the depraved mentality that is being nurtured.

There is nothing racist about making public, the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. It is what the people of Guyana expects and rightfully deserves.

For the record, it is my considered opinion, based upon the facts that I shall state in this missive that Mr. Patterson is guilty of (a) misuse of Office, (b) abuse of privilege, (c) misconduct in public office and (d) deception when caught. The jury will pronounce on this matter. These are the facts.

In a statement, Patterson said, “It has also come to my attention that it is further alleged that I received a number of electronic items, such as phones, ipads and laptops. This is absolutely untrue, and I have categorically denied it. Whoever fabricated this lie obviously does not know that for security and other reasons, I do not accept electronic of any kind from any agency, including the Government, and I have always personally selected and purchased all electronic items I own. For instance, for this reason, I did not accept a mobile telephone offered by the Parliament to Ministers.”

Remember the famous statement from David Patterson that he does not wear jewellery? Subsequently, photographic images surfaced with him sport jewellery on social media.

Patterson’s words lack consistency, they are void of facts and it would seem as he is a stranger to the truth. The documents presented will show the real facts of what transpired over the past few years.

Mr. Patterson, during his tenure as Minister of Public Infrastructure, received from Agencies under his control, gifts and personal items totaling $2.646M.

In May 2020, while the country was experiencing post elections fiasco and in the middle of Court cases, gifts were purchased for the Minister’s birthday by the Maritime Administration Department to the tune of $704,292. These are the kinds of gifts Mr. Patterson accepted and says “followed the rules”. Why weren’t the value of the gifts ever questioned? Where is his moral compass?

On the same date, there was another gift purchased for $387,486.

On 4th May, 2017 a gift was purchased for the Minister by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), another agency that fell under his purview. That gift was purchased in the sum of $117,200 from King’s Jewelry and even had Patterson’s initials ‘DP’ engraved.

May 3rd 2018 and May 4th, 2018 two purchases were made and the voucher said payment for gifts for Minister Patterson’s birthday and the figure attached was $300,000.

There is a letter signed to the Maritime Administration on May 3rd, for the approval of the gifts.

The Transport and Harbours Department also purchased gifts for Patterson on May 4th, 2017 in the sum of $76,818. On May 6th, 2020 while squatting in office, illegally pretending to the people that he is the Minister, received another gift for $54,720 and the receipts are there to prove.

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport on the 7th May 2018 made a purchase for a cross pen for $25,000 which is in moderation.

The two former Ministers took gross advantage of their position and severely abused the treasury of the Demerara Harbour Bridge and other agencies between June 2015 and July 2016. The items purchased for the Ministers include:

- Apple Ipad air $213,000

- Dell laptops (2)

- Television set

- Printer

- Cocktail tables

- Dresser

- Rugs

- Book Shelf

- Samsung Galaxy phone valued at $203,000

- Vacuum Cleaner

- King bed set

- Mattress

- Chest of Drawers

I am not in a campaign to ruin Patterson’s reputation; he did that by himself when he lied to the people of Guyana. Nobody has a political agenda against Mr. David Patterson. He is trying to use politics to obfuscate his abuse and misuse of public funds.

Patterson needs to do the decent thing and resign as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. The AFC needs to disclose if this was the standard that they set while in Government and they need to say if this is wrong or acceptable.

The Integrity Commission Act is clear that you must declare any gift of US$50 or more in your annual declaration for the year that you received it, and if you don’t, you have made a false declaration, which is a criminal act and you can be prosecuted in the Court.

As a citizen, I am calling on the members of the Integrity Commission to investigate if these gifts that were given by agencies in the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to David Patterson and Annette Ferguson were declared. If they weren’t declared, let the law be followed. I expect to see charges and prosecution.

Minister Patterson must answer to the people of Guyana, these questions. Even if he did not know the cost of the items that were presented to him, why didn’t he ask questions when he received a gift certificate of $516,000 from the Maritime Administration Department, cashable to King’s Jewelry World on May 8, 2019.

Did Patterson go window shopping and later told the Maritime Administration what he wanted, so that this specific amount could be granted? Or did they allow the Minister the privilege to go on a wild shopping spree with the tax payers’ monies?

Secondly, why when caught rather than being remorseful, he denied, deceived and attempted damage control by making damning accusations that impugned the character of the Heads of Agencies, saying that you never received any jewellery when the records will show that every May during your tenure, in a religious fashion, items especially from King’s Jewellery were purchased at sums that are documented on invoices and traceable to payments made and cheques drawn. Mr. Patterson, it would appear your hand is in the “cookie jar”.

Mr. Patterson should tell the country if he made his declarations of these gift items to the integrity commission in compliance with the Integrity Act and if he did not, why?

Fourthly, Mr. Patterson who said that he played no role and had no knowledge of these items and wants us to believe that they were guided by Cabinet, Ministry of Finance and Board decisions should produce copies of such documents that enables him to get donations and gifts from agencies under his control amounting to millions of dollars.

Mr. Patterson should be every aware that it is not an Edghill vs. Patterson thing, it is the records of agencies vs. his fairytale stories. The records are not lying.

Fifthly, Mr. Patterson should tell the nation when he would ever develop the capacity to speak the truth about any matter whatsoever.

Contrition is a path you should take my brother, not seeking to invoke sympathy by using the “black cloak”. Racism and reverse racism is unacceptable at all times. The fig leaves did not cover your nakedness. Shameful!

<<<END>>>

Outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Guyana

5th February, 2021

Outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Guyana says "Goodbye" to Minister Edghill.

Outgoing Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Cui Jianchun, today visited Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill to say "goodbye" as he prepares for his departure.

Minister Edghill noted that the reward for work is more work and that our beautiful country Guyana will certainly miss the Ambassador's presence.

Minister Edghill noted however that he believes, the Ambassador will continue to make meaningful contributions to the country.

The Minister pointed out that Chinese companies have dominated bids for the new DHB a Chinese company have signaled interest in the Guyana/Suriname Bridge.

"I just want to extend best wishes. We are a small country but a great friend of China," Minister Edghill stated.

The Chinese Ambassador said he has learnt alot from Minister Edghill, the most important lesson however remains his sincerity. He said he applauds the way Minister Edghill handled the CJIA Project.

The Ambassador said, "It is a pity I cannot stay here longer to work. I am proud to have done something for the two countries."

The two discussed future areas for cooperation as the Ambassador reiterated China's support to Guyana.

Courtesy Visit

5th February, 2021

Courtesy visit!

Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill was paid a courtesy visit by Ambassador George Massaad from Madrid, Spain.

Letter to the Editor

5th February, 2021

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS

Response to Statement issued by David Patterson on the contract awarded to Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE)

Title: The Ministry of Public Works has negotiated a contract with GRSEL that has saved Guyana 2.8M USD

Dear Editor,

The recently signed contract between the Transport and Harbours Department and Garden Reach Shipbuilders Engineers Ltd (GRSEL) to design, build and supply an ocean-going passenger and cargo vessel will ensure that future travels to the northwest district and others parts of Guyana are faster, safer and more efficient. Moreover, the vessel will be modern and built according to the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Classification Society and will meet every single operational requirement of SOLAS, IMO, ILO and MARAD.

The Ministry strongly denounces the assumptions made by the former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson in his statement dated January 15, 2021. What Mr. Patterson needs to recognize is that the Irfaan Ali’s Administration will not accept and/ or tolerate mediocracy. That is, the proposed contract Patterson left when he omitted office in 2020 was not the same contract the Government of Guyana penned. Therefore, the statement issued by Patterson is rendered null and void, Patterson clearly is looking for political popularity at this time.

Further Editor, because of Patterson’s lack of knowledge on the newly penned contract, we wish to enlighten the former minister with the facts in the coming paragraphs.

After almost two (2) years of being stalled for failing to receive the India Exim Bank’s no objection to the award of the contract for the design, build and supply the new ferry vessel, the people of Guyana will be happy to know that over the past four months and subsequent to the intervention of the new Government of Guyana has negotiated a contract with GRSEL that meets every single specification of the second round of Tender that commenced on May 8, 2018.

The award of contract to GRSEL in the sum of 12.7M USD has saved the people of Guyana 2.8M USD as the only other bidder Shoft Shipyard Private Ltd (SSPL) priced tender was 15.3M USD. The savings of 2.8M USD will be invested in the construction of new stellings at Morawhanna, Kumaka and Port Kaituma in the Region No 1.

Had Patterson been in government today, the people of Guyana would have been paying 2.8M USD MORE FOR LESS. Yes! You read correctly. But, “Not under my watch.” Editor, I assure the people of Guyana that they will be getting MORE FOR LESS.

There is no scandal here, no need for grief or sorrow, only the comforting assurance that after several months of intense negotiation across two continents that are 9 ½ hours apart, the Ministry was able to sign a contract to design, build and supply a modern vessel that will drastically improve the life of citizens of Region 1 and cut travel time by almost 50% (from 22 hours to 12 hours).

The design-build nature of the contract will provide the Ministry with the opportunity to review and approve every plan or drawing submitted by GRSEL before construction of the vessel commences.

The contract also provides for the Transport and Harbours Department directly and/or through its agents travel to India periodically to carry out inspections of the vessel at critical milestone in the life of the vessel’s construction before payments are disbursed to the Shipbuilder.

Training of Pilots, Engineers and other Crew members on the navigational, safety and other aspects of the new vessel is also an important component of the project that will be carried during the construction life of the vessel.

The final negotiated contract allows Guyanese to get value for money. Editor, please allow me to explain to Mr. Patterson what the Guyanese people will be receiving for 12.7M USD.

• The design build nature of the contract means the Ministry gets to review and approve every single plan or drawing during the finalization of the General Arrangement Plan (GAP).

• The basic function of the vessel with the length overall will be 66.0m, breadth 13.2m, depth 4.0m and draft 3.0m.

• Damage stability criteria is a function of the design and will re-evaluated on finalization of the General Arrangement Plan (GAP).

• A low ramp will be provided.

• A Crane will be located on the starboard side. According to the contract a crane shall be placed at an optimum location based on cargo handling requirements.

• For refrigerated cargo there will be non-standard refrigerated containers to cater for 30-35 tonnes of refrigerated cargo”, will be provided as per specifications.

• Vehicles stowing on the vessel will be stowed in fore and aft directions in keeping with classification society and international regulations.

• For hulling, the design caters for side shell plate – 6mm; bottom – 12mm and keel 14mm and double barrier as required by international regulations for ocean vessels.

• Cargo hatch with coaming is standard practice in order to meet SOLAS/ Class requirements. The size and location of the hatch will be decided based on cargo handling requirements as well as space required for movement of vehicles.

• All crew members will be accommodated in individual cabins with individual sanitary facilities in the superstructure.

• For safety and navigation, the field of view from Bridge complies with requirements of SOLAS, Chapter V "safety of navigation", Regulation 22: Navigational Bridge Visibility. The 360 degrees view from bridge is not a requirement as per SOLAS.

From the technical specifications outlined above, I am sure by now that Mr. Patterson would recognize that what we are getting from GRSEL is a much more superior vessel than what he was negotiating from when he was in government.

Finally, the Government of Guyana worked conscientiously to receive a contract that will be beneficial for the peoples of Guyana, especially the citizens in the Northwest District.

Yours Faithfully,

Hon. Bishop Juan A. Edghill

Minister of Public Works

Linden Meeting

5th February, 2021

Youth unemployment takes center stage at Presidential meeting

During a meeting held with young people in Region 10, youth unemployment took the center stage.

President H.E Dr. Irfaan Ali while addressing concerns noted that 20,000 online scholarships will be provided to boost the chances of young people becoming employed.

Minister of Public Works Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill opened the floor for suggestions to tackle the issue when it was opined that more businesses need to be opened.

Additionally, the President urged the youths present to become employers and not settle at the employee stage.

At this point, it was suggested that startup funds be made available to kick start small business.

Press Release

13th January, 2021

Press Release

Topic: Ocean-Going Passenger and Cargo Ferry Vessel for the Northwest District to arrive within 18 months

13 January, 2021 – A simple signing ceremony was held today at the Ministry of Public Works, Wight’s Lane, Kingston, for the construction of an Ocean-Going Passenger and Cargo Ferry Vessel for the Northwest District.

Present at the signing ceremony were Hon. Bishop Juan A. Edghill, Minister of Public Works; India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa; Counsellor to India’s High Commissioner Mr. Vijayakumar K.; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Vladim Persaud; General Manager ofTransport and Harbours Department, Ms. Marclene Merchant; and representatives from the contracting firm (Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, Mr. Vishnu Doerga and Mr. Daniel Sugrim.

According to Minister Edghill, after years of being stalled, the procurement of the New Ocean-Going Passenger and Cargo Ferry Vessel for the North West District was revived at the diplomatic level between the governments of Guyana and India.

Minister Edghill made it explicitly clear that the leadership of His Excellency President Irfaan Ali and his Cabinet Members, along with the Ministry’s technical staff lead the discussions in resolving the issues as to why the ferry was not awarded and/or commissioned after five years of not being in Government.

It was further noted by Minister Edghill that the contract was awarded to Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) for the sum of USD 12,733,403.

According to Minister Edghill the Ferry is expected to be delivered within 18 months and will provide larger cargo carrying capacity, shorter travel times and a safer and more comfortable service to commuters travelling between Georgetown and the Northwest District.

Minister Edghill also highlighted the payment breakdown for the contract which will be done at different installments; an advance payment of 20% will be disbursed in January 2021 in the sum of 2,253,601 USD. Another 40% of the contract value will be disbursed in 2021 at various construction milestone dates totaling 5,239,901.07 USD. The final 40% of the contract value totaling 5,239,901.07 USD will be disbursed in 2022 after the installation of the main engines and steering systems and upon receipt and acceptance the vessel.

Minister Edghill sought to thank His Excellency for the continued support and collaboration as each government seeks to advance the development of Guyana.

His Excellency Dr. K. J. Srinivasa said, “We have worked hard to get where we are with this project today”.

In closing, Minister Edghill noted, this vessel, when delivered to Guyana will be a representation of the modernization for the benefit of the people.

By: Ms. Krest Cummings

Senior Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Public Works

Budget Presentation

6th January, 2021

Ministry of Public Works 2021 Budget Preparations

Today, starting from 9:30am up until this evening, Hon. Bishop Juan A. Edghill, Minister of Public Works; Honourable Deodat Indar, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Mr. Vladim Persuad met with the Managering Directors and their management team from the various agencies under the purview of the Ministry of Public Works to peruse and discuss each agency's 2021 proposed budget.

The agencies under the purview of the Ministry of the Public Works represented today were:

* Works Services Group

* Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation

* Guyana Civil Aviation Authority

* Guyana National Shipping Corporation

* Transport & Harbours Department

* Maritime Administration Department

* Cheddi Jagan International Airport

Discussions will be continuing during the week as the Ministry aims to present a budget in keeping with every plan and promise expressed in the Peoples Progressive Party manifesto for a better and improved infrastructural development.

By: Ms. Krest Cummings

Senior Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Public Works

Response to Stabroek News Article

6th January, 2021

Ministry of Public Works

Response to Stabroek News Article

Title ‘Patterson owes nation apology for misleading information’

(January 05, 2021) Dear Editor, please allow me to respond to an article published in today’s edition of Stabroek News, under the headline “Patterson says Asphalt Plant fully functional, questions aspects of audit findings”.

Editor, it is my firm view that the former Minister of Public Infrastructure owes the nation an apology for leading the people astray. In this article, Patterson claims to have been “reliably informed that the plant is fully functional” while rubbishing the findings of a special investigation ordered to probe alleged mismanagement at the Asphalt Plant.

Kindly allow me to update the former Minister, and the rest of the nation, on the accurate position of the Asphalt Plant at the moment.

Ministers’ visit

On August 28, 2020 just after assuming office, myself and Minister Deodat Indar visited the Asphalt Plant to be updated on the progress of works. During that visit, the Main Power Control Cabinet was yet to be installed.

Testing of the systems

This aspect of the work was completed on November 25, 2020. On December 12, 2020 the German Engineer commenced rechecking and verifying the electrical and electronic components of the structure.

After completing this, he commenced testing of the systems.

These systems include the:

- Cold Feed System

- Conveyer Systems

- Drying Systems

- Burner Systems

- Dust collection Systems

- Mixer System

- Hot aggregate storage

- Vibrating Screen System

- Reclaimed filler silo

- Bitumen Weighing Scale

- Granulate System

After the tests were conducted, it was found that three of the systems were not functioning, hence making the structure inoperable to date. The systems which are currently not functioning are the Burner System, the Bitumen Weighing Scale and the Granulate System.

The Burner is presently not working due to a software controller, which has to be configured for the use of Diesel Fuel. The Bitumen Weighing Scale was unable to be tested as two load cells were not operable due to moisture, likewise the Granulate System is unable to function as a result of a load cell that needs to be replaced.

Editor, let me make it clear that these findings were reported to the factory and the Germans will stand the expenses of these components, given that the structure has not been commissioned as yet.

Completion

The Factory Engineer left Guyana on January 04, 2021 and is anticipated to be back by mid-February for final testing and training of the Engineers and plant operators.

Finally, let me end by saying that the principal functions of the Asphalt plant are the drying, heating and cleaning of aggregates facilitated by the burner thermal energy, through communication with the BLS 3000. The BLS 3000 is the asphalt plant operational software.

Due to aforementioned issues (software and electronic components), the plant is not fully functional to date. I therefore urge Mr. David Patterson to apologize to the nation for his misleading statements.

Yours in Development,

Bishop Juan Edghill

Minister of Public Works

Courtesy Visit

6th January, 2021

Minister Edghill met with the Guyana Americas Merchant Bank Inc.

Hon. Bishop Juan A. Edghill, Minister of Public Works met with a delegation from the Guyana Americas Merchant Bank Inc. this bank is a subsidiary of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, who discussed pertinent financial investments for improvement of infrastructural development throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

The Guyana Americas Merchant Bank Inc. delivers strategic financial services & solutions, including raising capital, risk management and project financing to Companies and Institutions.

Amongst some of the things discussed for practical investments were; deep water harbour, gas to shore, renewable energy and road infrastructure.

According to Minister Edghill, there are vast opportunities for financial investment in Guyana and it is the Peoples Progressive Party's mandate to facilitate investment and development as Guyana is going to be fast tracking its development.

The visiting delegation from the Guyana Americas Merchant Bank Inc. comprised of: Richard Isava, Managing Director; Pauline Singh, General Manager; and Rocky Handman, Investment Bank Manager.

By: Ms. Krest Cummings

Senior Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Public Works

Courtesy Visit

6th January, 2021

Courtesy Visit

Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works was paid a courtesy visit by Guyana’s Caribbean Airlines General Manager (ag), Mr. Carl Stuart.

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Press Release

Ministry of Public Works

Press Statement

Title- Minister Edghill Responds to fallacious statements made by former Minister David Patterson

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Outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Guyana

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Courtesy Visit

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Letter to the Editor

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS

Response to Statement issued by David Patterson on the contract awarded to Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE)

Title: The Ministry of Public Works has negotiated a contract with GRSEL that has saved Guyana 2.8M USD

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Linden Meeting

Youth unemployment takes center stage at Presidential meeting

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Press Release

Press Release

Topic: Ocean-Going Passenger and Cargo Ferry Vessel for the Northwest District to arrive within 18 months

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Budget Presentation

Ministry of Public Works 2021 Budget Preparations

By: Ms. Krest Cummings

Senior Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Public Works

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Response to Stabroek News Article

Ministry of Public Works

Response to Stabroek News Article

Yours in Development,

Bishop Juan Edghill

Minister of Public Works

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Courtesy Visit

Minister Edghill met with the Guyana Americas Merchant Bank Inc.

By: Ms. Krest Cummings

Senior Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Public Works

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Courtesy Visit

Courtesy Visit

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