Instead of waiting on the government to drop the proverbial hammer and dispense action for various contract violations, Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited recently gave up nearly 30 contracts worth almost $1B. Confirming this with Guyana Standard during an exclusive interview was Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall.
Nandlall explained that the head of the company, Courtney Benn, approached the government and explained that he is in possession of several contracts but is unable to complete them due to “financial problems”. In light of this state of affairs, he has asked the government to work out an arrangement where the contracts would be handed over so that they can be completed by others and some form of settlement would be reached concerning money that was already received.
Nandlall said the government agreed to these terms while noting that Benn signed an agreement saying he will repay over some time.
The Attorney General said, “In the meantime, he said he will concentrate on taking a few small ones (contracts) until he can recover from the slump that he is in. While we must protect public funds we also do not wish to be in a constant fight with any segment of our society including contractors. The government’s role is to facilitate development and provide jobs to its citizens. That is our paramount priority.”
He added, “So if it is that we have to arrive at settlements that will ensure we strike that balance, whereby, we protect public funds as well as accommodate errant contractors so that they can continue to work and provide employment for our people, we are prepared to pursue that course. And that is what informed our position to settle a whole host of matters recently.”
Since assuming office in August 2020, the PPP/C has categorically stated that it will have zero tolerance for contractors who do slapdash work or fail to meet deadlines, thereby leaving the taxpaying populace to suffer. In January for example, the government had taken stern action against Courtney Benn for breach of contract in relation to the reconstruction of St. Rose’s High School. Guyana Standard had reported that the government through the Attorney General’s Chambers, had sued Courtney Benn and its insurance company, Caricom General Insurance company, demanding that the former pays the State $414.3M.
Alternatively, the AG asked the court for an Order of Restitution against the second-named defendant, Caricom General Insurance for all monies owed.
The Attorney-General Chambers had first terminated the 352.7 M contract in November last stating breaches had been found.
