[www.inewsguyana.com] – A Partnership for National Unity Member of Parliament (MP) and Shadow Works Minister Joseph Harmon made it pellucid on Thursday (January 16) that his criticism of the E – Governance project which is headed by the son of President Donald Ramotar, Alexei Ramotar is no attack against him.
told a media conference that his criticism is purely in relation to the design and Ramotar’s competence to head the project. “My questions are about the project, not an attack on the president’s son… even if it was my son I would ask him those questions.”
The APNU MP had called the press conference to address a statement released by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni following initial concerns that were raised in the media and indications that question regarding the project will be asked of the Prime Minister in the National Assembly.
Harmon accused the Finance Minister of attempted to preempt what his questions will be but said he was comforted by the fact that the answers were readily available. “Why has Ashni Singh become so defensive of the sloppiness of leadership for the project, what about transparency?” Harmon asked.
Dr. Singh in his release had said that between the APNU and the AFC, there is a collective effort to rid Guyana of all its human and financial resources.
Singh had claimed that it was not by coincidence that Harmon and his party chose to publicly question the merit of Ramotar, stating that it was strategically done because Ramotar is the son of President Donald Ramotar.
“Alexei Ramotar was hired in 2010, prior to his father’s run for Presidential Office and was deemed the most qualified for the job at that time. Today he remains one of Guyana’s most qualified in his field, with a Masters in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo, over a decade of work experience where he led numerous projects in his field, and several academic awards and publications” the statement had said.
In this regard the APNU MP now wants Dr. Singh to say who deemed Romatar the most qualified to head the project. He questioned why after two years is the project which cost some US $32M is not complete while salaries continue to be paid to those who work under the project.
Harmon rejected claims that there was a deliberate attempt to chase away investors and said the opposition’s actions are geared towards protecting existing investment.
“Those who can’t stand scrutiny have left, if you are doing legitimate business then you have nothing to fear, but we will not sit idly by and see money being wasted.”
He had demanded the salary of Ramotar to be made public, when questioned as to why only Romator’s salary id being asked for; he said they will consider asking for the salary of other employees.
