'Gov't procurement policy will hinder schools' progress'

Barrington Flemming, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

CHAIRMAN OF the Montego Bay Community College (MBCC) Board of Governors, Reverend Dr Howard Gregory, has taken a swipe at the Government's procurement policy, which he says will hinder the growth and development of educational institutions across the country.

"The procurement policies which are being promulgated at this time (by the Government) are making it clear that whereas in the past most of our projects benefited from the voluntary service of past students, benefactors and corporate institutions, which allowed us to complete projects at the lowest possible cost, we now must go to tender for all projects," he said.

The clergyman noted that the policy has stirred concern among educators whose institutions constantly benefit from acts of benevolence.

Gregory was bringing greetings at the official signing of the instruments of transfer of the Shibui property to the college by the Reisman Foundation last Wednesday. The property, located on Queens Drive in Montego Bay, is valued at $100 million.

Gregory contended that while the Government was concerned about and seeking to implement policies to root out corruption, the education sector must not be used as an avenue to test the effectiveness of its anti-corruption strategy.

"And so, I raise a note of serious concern about the funds raised by institutions and are being defined and perceived by the authorities," Gregory stressed.

"While there is a concern about the elimination of corruption in this nature, the use of the arena of education as the place to play out the anti-corruption strategy is a move that I believe requires serious thought."

The MBCC chairman also cited that the policy as promulgated was a veiled suggestion that the autonomy of the institutions was being eroded.

"Recent pronouncements concerning the definition of the control and management of these funds suggest that the institutions do not have the right to implement these projects on a schedule and in a timely manner determined by the institution and its management."

He said the acquisition of the property and implementation of an extended hospitality programme at the college means that delays would not be a part of the process as the project needed immediate implementation.

"While procurement policies may require that we go the route of the lowest bid, the welfare of the institution may not be served in the operation of the current prevailing procurement policy and may need serious re-examination," Gregory suggested.

barrington.flemming@gleanerjm.com