The Senate yesterday (Jul 13) affirmed the public procurement regulations 2018 and public procurement reconsideration and review regulations 2018.

Government Senator Kamina Johnson Smith said in addition to codifying the rules, government is seeking to build institutional capacity, to ensure continuity in the levels of practice of modern procurement.

The regulations will also prescribe public procurement procedures.

The regulations also outline the procedures for refusals and reviews of procurement applications.

Meantime, Opposition Senator Lambert Brown pointed out that not all public servants are into corruption.

Citing the current situation at Petrojam, with the allegations of corruption, Mr. Brown he said what’s most important, is the enforcement of the procurement rules.

And Senator Brown has commended the Prime Minister for announcing that Cabinet ministers will undergo further training and sensitisation in good governance practices.

This in the wake of controversy at the state owned oil refinery, Petrojam.

The training and sensitization are part of efforts to eliminate the perception of corruption.

Speaking in the Senate yesterday, while the Upper House debated the public procurement regulations, Mr. Brown highlighted that the Prime Minister had issued a code of conduct to ministers at the start of the JLP led government 2 years ago.