TTTI head on Govt projects: Potential for corruption

BY COREY CONNELLY
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news9.html

If Government does not establish a public procurement regime to govern its mega projects, the potential for corruption could make the Piarco Airport Development project look like a tea party, says Victor Hart, chairman of the T&T Transparency Institute (TTTI).

He made the declaration yesterday while addressing a luncheon reception hosted by the Rotary Club of Port-of-Spain at Cascadia Hotel in St Ann’s.

Hart, the guest speaker, was responding to a question about the measures being implemented by the TTTI to combat corruption at all levels in society.

In tackling the problem, he said, the organisation had already lectured to some 400 public servants about the need to introduce ethical behaviour in the respective departments.

Hart added that they have been concentrating particularly on those involved in procurement.

“So far, we have concentrated on public servants who are involved in procurement because procurement in these large projects is the area in which there has been the most corruption in the past,” he said.

“Today, with the mega projects on stream, the possibility of corruption is rife and our experience in the Piarco Airport...it would look like child’s play.”

Singling out the proposed rapid rail and waterfront projects, Hart added:

“I am not saying that there is any corruption, but with the amount of money that is now available to Government, if there are not sufficient checks and balances the potential for corruption would make the Piarco Airport project look like a tea party.”

On the business end, the chartered quantity surveyor said the TTTI had held a one-day seminar with the T&T Chamber of Commerce, last September, addressing the issue of ethics.

Hart said the seminar, which he regarded as oversubscribed, tackled business principles as it related to bribery and sought to instil the need to introduce codes of practice for public and private institutions.

Hart, who served as commissioner in the enquiry into the Piarco Airport development project, said youngsters were also being targeted by the TTTI.

“This year, we are also starting at the bottom in that we are tackling primary and secondary schools to see if we can get to the young minds before they are soiled by the evils of corruption and the temptations that come with it,” he said.

“We are hoping to win over the young minds of the nation.”

‘So far, we have concentrated on public servants who are involved in procurement because procurement in these large projects is the area in which there has been the most corruption in the past.’

Victor Hart, chairman of the T&T Transparency Institute (TTTI)

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