Bond contract contradicts itself, makes no requirement for FDA standards

It has become clear why the Cabinet sub-committee appointed by President David Granger recommended that the drug bond rental contract be reviewed. The contract puts much burden on government; it is riddled with contradictions and makes no requirement for PAHO/WHO or FDA standards.

On Friday last, the media was finally given a copy of the Agreement of Tenancy signed between government and firearms dealer, Larry Singh.

There is a clause which stipulates that the government “shall be solely responsible for the security of the Demised Premises and all contents in respect thereof.” Yet, another clause states that the landlord has to “provide security 24 hrs per day for the life of the lease.”

And, while one part of the contract says that “The Tenant (government) shall be responsible for the payment of the required Value Added Tax to the Guyana Revenue Authority,” another part says that the landlord has to pay “all present and future rates, taxes, assessments payable in respect of the Demised Premises.”

During an interview with Kaieteur News, People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Opposition point man on Health, Dr. Frank Anthony also pointed out the contradictions. He said that the contract is poor and should not be allowed to stand.

Dr. Anthony also noted the fact that the contract does not set out the necessary requirements for the bond to meet standards that will make it absolutely suitable for the storage of drugs and medical supplies.

“The contract makes no stipulation for the facility to confirm to standards of PAHO (Pan American Health Organization), WHO (World Health Organization). At the very basic, the contract did not even make requirements for the facility to be up to the standards of the Foods and Drugs Department (FDA),” said Dr. Anthony.

(KAIETEUR NEWS)