A public procurement policy
The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce supports the current process to update and reform the system by which the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and its agencies purchase goods and services on behalf of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Procurement in Trinidad and Tobago has evolved over a number of years, however, the procurement process has not kept abreast of these changes. We believe that change to the current system is necessary to improve efficiency, ensure equality of access, improve transparency and oversight, and restrict opportunities for corruption of the processes, thereby benefitting the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
Procurement reform is critical and modernization of the existing system will bring significant benefit to our people through more efficient use of the taxpayer’s money. Greater accountability throughout the process will ensure adherence to good procurement practice. Increased transparency will allow greater public oversight of procurement activity and ensure broader access to procurement activities. Ability to challenge contract awards with due cause will create confidence and promote adherence to the principles and guidelines. New institutional development and training will support the proposed new rules and regulations.
Over recent years In Trinidad and Tobago we have seen the proliferation of entities that, though funded by Government, consider that they should be outside the scope of Government procurement rules. The new system should and would ensure that entities which receive public money develop and implement systems that are fully in keeping with national procurement guidelines.
The new procurement system proposed by the private sector seeks to recognize the decentralisation that has occurred progressively in Trinidad and Tobago over the years. At the centre of the system would be the Procurement Regulator. This office would be responsible for ensuring that all the various entities in the system work according to identical guidelines but would allow for amendment based on the particular situation of the public entity. So, though all entities would work within a common framework, departures would be possible in the details so long as the key principles are observed, that is, Value for Money, Accountability and Transparency.
The proposed procurement system would ensure the participation of national enterprises. There is no conflict between fair application of the system and providing for a stipulated minimum percentage of contracts to go to local firms which are fully qualified and capable of meeting the required standards of performance and quality.
Opportunities for corruption are present in any human system. However, the Chamber firmly believes that the proposed reform of the government procurement system in Trinidad and Tobago will substantially reduce the opportunities for corruption by increasing accountability, clarifying roles and responsibilities, eliminating political involvement and strengthening system oversight.
Significant benefit can accrue to the country from this much-needed progress. Time has permitted me to mention only a few of the benefits. Getting this done right will require cooperation between the Government and the Opposition and continuing involvement by civil society. Though the changes will be far-reaching, they present a unique opportunity to bring about the improvements in governance all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago deserve.
To this goal, the Chamber remains committed.
