CHRISTIE

GREG Christie, the Contractor General, has threatened to prosecute public bodies and public officers who have not submitted their Quarterly Contract Award (QCA) reports.

In a letter issued to media yesterday, Mr. Christie noted that delinquency was rife among both bodies. Of the 191 public bodies that were served in July with the Contractor General's QCA requisitions for second quarter reports, only 81 had met the September 15 deadline.

The situation is even worse for the submission of third quarter reports. Up to yesterday, Mr. Christie reported that a mere 25 of the 191 bodies and officers had sent in their QCAs.

Today is the deadline for third quarter reports.

Mr. Christie also cited 'flagrant disregard' for the supply of information relating to the award of critical government contracts.

"This has now reached alarming proportions and could no longer be tolerated," the letter read.

Mr. Christie said delinquents would not be spared.

"It is, therefore, abundantly clear that the OCG (Office of the Contractor General) is compelled to act and must do so forthrightly and dispassionately if it is to effectively discharge its several mandates under the law," the statement said.

Mr. Christie's letter follows a recent meeting between himself and Kent Pantry, the Director of Public Prosecutions.

It was sent to Cabinet Secretary, Carlton Davis, Financial Secretary, Colin Bullock, all Permanent Secretaries and accounting and principal officers of public bodies.