Jagdeo vows to stamp out 'bureaucratic laziness'
President Bharrat Jagdeo has warned that "bureaucratic laziness has to change" and that he will treat with zero tolerance, incidents of corruption brought to his attention. Jagdeo on the second day of a three-day Cabinet tour of Region Two said that with the public sector workers now getting a fair salary, after the 31.06% increase, they would be expected to work the eight hours they are paid for. He would not, he said, tolerate workers arriving at 10 am and leaving at 2 pm. Jagdeo, who was speaking at the Affiance Primary School said that the changing of eight permanent secretaries was just the start and he would now be focusing on regional executive offices. He has already informed some that they must become more people friendly and work for the betterment of the citizens of the regions. Jagdeo said that those who could not submit to such principles would have to go. As regards corruption, Jagdeo said that while he could not guarantee that there would be no corruption within his government, once it was brought to his attention he would deal with it resolutely. He said that he has warned his officers against "contract splitting" (a form of bribery where contractors split the proceeds of a contract with a government official who has influence over the award process). Jagdeo mentioned that he had met four weeders yesterday who had done work for the region back in February and were yet to be paid. He said that he would authorise $6 million to be paid to the regional administration to pay these workers, amongst others. The administration had informed him that it was owed $147 million in uncollected taxes and did not have money to pay the weeders. Jagdeo also mentioned that Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Gail Teixeira, will hold youth conferences around the country in an effort to find out what youths want. He urged that youths become involved in the decisions that affect both them and the country. It was also announced that Suddie will be the location for the new police training centre and that the police headquarters in Suddie will be moved to Anna Regina. (Desiree Jodah)
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