The Senate should expel Patterson, Ferguson for a donation scandal – says Ram

Attorney-in-law – Christopher Ram.
Kaieteur News – Anti-corruption advocate, attorney-at-law Christopher Ram is of the firm belief that former public infrastructure ministers David Patterson and Annette Ferguson should be expelled from Parliament for their part in a multi-million dollar gift-buying scandal span several agencies that were previously under their control.
Ram made those comments and more during a previous showing of The Glenn Lall Show.
There, Ram noted that the recent revelations of the gift-buying scandal were “quite frightening” and asked whether the practice of buying exotic gifts was one that spanned other ministers in the previous Coalition government.
He said the event had several implications, particularly as it related to David Patterson as he is currently head of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Former Junior Public Infrastructure Minister, Annette Ferguson.

Former Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson.
The attorney asked, “These persons, in a civilized country, cannot remain as a legislator, a member of parliament; in fact, we’re dealing with a situation where Patterson is in a prestigious job. That’s serious … he’s not fit to do that. ”
Already, calls have asked Patterson to recuse himself as Chairman of PAC until a thorough investigation has ventured all concerns.
The anti-corruption advocate requested that Parliament intervene and expel both members of Parliament for their actions as there are clear rules outlining what should and should not be done.
In fact, the laws were belligerent that budget gift agencies prohibit the purchase of gifts under the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA) at the time and even a budget newsletter was sent to all agencies outlining this.
The budget circular sent by the Finance Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Michael Joseph, stated, “No expenditure of public funds shall be expected in accordance with Article 217 of the Constitution.”
But that exact mandate was disregarded and millions were spent in taxpayer dollars to buy gifts for Patterson and Ferguson. In light of what went on, Ram asked that the two former ministers be held accountable for their blatant actions.
“We cannot have laws for the powerful and powerless, the rich and the poor, for politicians and non-politicians,” stressed Ram, adding… “They must be subject to the law everytime. Our Constitution is in place, we are guided by the law. We must all be subject to the law. I believe that all political parties have taken money. I think we need to use this as a good opportunity and example to show society that we are not going to tolerate this kind of behavior. ”
Moreover, Ram also noted that the agencies that facilitated the gifts should also be scrutinized because “There is no question that a gift of that size is justified.”
The purchase of a $ 900,000 gold bracelet for the then General Manager of the Demerara Harbor Bridge (DHB) was only discovered after a special team of auditors appointed to dig into the funds of the State-run Eden Asphalt Garden. Rawlston Adams.
That discovery prompted more investigations and uncovered a widespread scandal with spending of more than $ 6.7 million to buy exotic gifts for Patterson and Ferguson.
Patterson received a total of $ 2.664 million in gifts and personal effects.
For several of his birthdays (May 4), the then Minister received multiple donations from the various agencies under his view. In 2016, he received several gift items from the Department of Maritime Administration (MARAD) with invoices stating that the payment was for “Gifts for Minister Patterson’s Birthday.”
In 2017, documents show he received a band from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GGAA) worth $ 117,000 purchased from King’s Jewelery World. Included in that purchase was an additional US $ 90 for the addition of Patterson initials using 14K gold.
In August 2018, MARAD also approved payments for gift items for Patterson’s birthday worth $ 243,000. Also in May 2018, he received donations as well as vouchers spelling out payments of $ 76,818 and $ 300,000.
From Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), in 2018, a pen also received $ 25,000 worth of King’s Jewelery World. On May 6, 2019, it was reported that Patterson also received another gift from King’s Jewelery World worth $ 516,000.
Moving forward to 2020 when the country was facing the elections debate, the then Minister received a host of donations for his birthday celebration in May. On May 4, 2020, documents show that Patterson received a gift from MARAD worth $ 704,292.
On the same day, another gift worth $ 387,486 was presented, both purchased by Steve’s Jewelery World from the exact same agency. The Department of Transportation and Harbor (T&HD) also presented Patterson with a gift worth $ 54,700 on the same date.
In total, Ferguson received $ 1.4 million in donations from the exact agencies listed. But it wasn’t just jewelery. In fact, Patterson and Ferguson each received $ 6,757,015 in electronics and home materials from the DHB.
He explained that those items were not listed as asset registers but donations only. On the list of items noted, two dell desktops worth $ 387,222 were purchased for both Ministers along with Apple IPAD Airs at a price of $ 213,750 each.
In addition, we also purchased TVs, printers, cocktail boards, foyer tables, rugs, safety shoes, bookshelf, two dell PCs worth $ 164,600 each, plus a king size bed set, king size mattress, size bed set queen and chest of drawers.