Thursday, May 29, 2025
THE LIBERIAN INVESTIGATOR
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Investigations
  • News
    • National News
    • County News
    • Health
    • Environment
    • Human Interest
    • Press Release
    • Media
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Editorial
  • Commentary
  • Op-Ed
    • Opinions
    • Letters from the Editor
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Fact Checks
  • Lifestyle
    • Entertainment
  • Sports
THE LIBERIAN INVESTIGATOR
  • Home
  • Investigations
  • News
    • National News
    • County News
    • Health
    • Environment
    • Human Interest
    • Press Release
    • Media
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Editorial
  • Commentary
  • Op-Ed
    • Opinions
    • Letters from the Editor
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Fact Checks
  • Lifestyle
    • Entertainment
  • Sports
THE LIBERIAN INVESTIGATOR
No Result
View All Result
Home News

Deputy Finance Minister Denies $322K Contract Conflict Allegations

by Contributor
December 31, 2024
in News
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Deputy Finance Minister Denies $322K Contract Conflict Allegations

Monrovia – Deputy Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Bill McGill Jones, has vehemently dismissed allegations of conflict of interest surrounding two contracts awarded for the renovation and structural assessment of the Ministry’s complex, collectively valued at over $322,000. The Minister described the accusations as “false, misleading, and a deliberate smear campaign” aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

The controversy erupted following social media claims that the Ministry engaged in questionable practices in awarding the $244,000 painting and $78,000 structural assessment contracts. Minister Jones on December 30, categorically stated that the procurement process followed Liberia’s Public Procurement and Concessions Law.

“The procurement process was carried out transparently, with strict adherence to all applicable laws and guidelines,” Minister Jones emphasized. He clarified that the contracts were evaluated and awarded by an independent Bid Evaluation Panel, free from interference by him or other senior Ministry officials.

Dismissing claims of favoritism, Minister Jones denied that his biological brother had any ties to the winning companies. “The allegations are baseless. Having a connection to someone in a company does not constitute a conflict of interest under the law,” he asserted.

An independent review confirmed that the Bid Evaluation Panel, comprising six MFDP employees, selected Brothers Engineering and Consultancy (BEC) and Elite Contractors & Global Services as the most responsive bidders. Among eight companies vying for the contracts, only three advanced to the final evaluation due to disqualifications for incomplete documentation and missing bid securities.

For the renovation project, Elite Contractors submitted the lowest bid of $244,441, outbidding Innovative Architects & Engineers ($269,496) and Brooklyn Group of Companies ($352,515). For the structural assessment, BEC’s $78,000 bid was selected over Bezaleel + Turnkey Contractors’ $133,000 offer.

Minister Jones explained that the structural assessment was necessitated by ongoing concerns about the building’s safety and integrity. He detailed the scope of the assessment, which included evaluating structural elements, mechanical systems, and environmental hazards such as asbestos and mold.

Jones reiterated that all procurement activities adhered to legal requirements and were subject to oversight. “The Public Procurement and Concessions Commission mandates competitive bidding and prohibits conflicts of interest. These standards were rigorously upheld,” he said.

Despite his assurances, allegations of impropriety continue to circulate, which Minister Jones attributed to a “blackmail and propaganda” campaign fueled by misinformation. “We remain committed to transparency and good governance. These baseless attacks will not distract us from our mandate,” he added.

Tags: Bill Jones
ShareTweetSend
Contributor

Contributor

Next Post
Tragedy Strikes Timbo River as Third Drowning in a Week Raises Safety Concerns

Tragedy Strikes Timbo River as Third Drowning in a Week Raises Safety Concerns

Murder or Suicide? Liberia National Police Probes Death of Boulevard Palace GM

Murder or Suicide? Liberia National Police Probes Death of Boulevard Palace GM

Discussion about this post

Recommended

Liberia Launches Anti-Malaria Vaccine for Children 5-18 Months Today

Liberia Launches Anti-Malaria Vaccine for Children 5-18 Months Today

1 year ago
Integrity Watch Liberia & WONGOSOL announce progress in CSOs advocacy to Accelerate TRC implementation

Integrity Watch Liberia & WONGOSOL announce progress in CSOs advocacy to Accelerate TRC implementation

4 months ago

    Connect with us

    Home

    About Us

    Investigations

    News

    Politics

    Business 

    Editorial

    Contact Us

    Privacy Policy

    Advertise with us

    Stay updated with the latest news by subscribing to our WhatsApp Channel

    Click Here to Subscribe

    © 2024 THE LIBERIAN INVESTIGATOR, All Rights Reserved And subject to Terms of Use Agreement. 

    No Result
    View All Result
    • Home
    • Investigations
    • News
      • National News
      • County News
      • Health
      • Environment
      • Human Interest
      • Press Release
      • Media
    • Politics
    • Business
    • Editorial
    • Commentary
    • Op-Ed
      • Opinions
      • Letters from the Editor
      • Letters to the Editor
    • Fact Checks
    • Lifestyle
      • Entertainment
    • Sports

    © 2023