OCG gets data in bookmark fiasco

The Office of the Contractor General says it has received the information it had requested from the Ministry of Education, to help in its probe into the ministry’s expenditure on bookmarks to commemorate Jamaica 50.

The probe was launched following a call from the opposition party after bookmarks with the image of education Minister Ronald Thwaites allegedly superimposed over the Jamaican flag was distributed to students.

Contractor General Greg Christie said the ministry complied with his request and submitted the information on August 24, which was within the deadline his office had given.

He said his office is now assessing the information to determine its adequacy and what further lines the investigation should take.

The OCG had requested details on the tender procedures which were utilised by ministry in the procurement of the bookmarks.

Among other things, it had also asked for the names of those who were involved in the development, approval and/or issue of the relevant tender and procurement instructions and for information on the template that was issued by the ministry.

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