GUYANA’S PUBLIC HEALTH MINISTER VOLDA LAWRENCE

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Tuesday June 19, 2018 – Guyana’s Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence today served notice at her ministry that police detectives and Finance Ministry internal auditors will soon begin investigations into the “misappropriation of funds and the blatant attempts to steal” public funds.

In a frank discourse with senior officials at the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), Lawrence raised questions about “blatant attempts to steal” and other brazen dishonest acts perpetrated by employees.

She said police and officials from the Ministry of Finance will carry out open investigations into corrupt practices by staff members, as she charged that “fraud has been ongoing a long time at the Public Health Ministry”.

Cautioning programme managers, Lawrence added: “I am advising you to check what you sign and ensure it meets the regulatory requirements and it is in keeping with your programmes.”

“I will not compromise on the issue of accountability within the public health sector.”

The Minister did not hide her disgust at employees who have been “sabotaging the Ministry left, right and centre.”

Some workers have even been sending missives on internal MOPH matters to persons outside the public service structure, Lawrence revealed.

Less threatening, but equally toxic she said, is the issue of insubordination.

“Some parts of the MOPH train have been derailed (and) the madness has to stop,” Minister Lawrence said.