PSU President Says Procurement Reform Statement Was Intended to Spark Public Discussion

In a lengthy press release issued yesterday, Public Service Union President Dean Flowers took a deep dive into several issues surrounding transparency, accountability, and the role of public institutions in upholding proper systems and procedures. The statement, titled “The Hypocrisy of Procurement Reform,” raised concerns about what Flowers described as gaps between the laws that are in place and how they are being followed in practice. While the release touched on several areas, Flowers says the purpose behind his remarks was to encourage greater public awareness and to spark conversation about matters he believes deserve attention. Speaking with Love News today, Flowers explains what prompted him to issue the statement and why he felt it was important to bring these concerns forward.

Dean Flowers, President, PSU: “The post that I made yesterday on Facebook was as a result of just reflecting on how easy it is as a society that we tend to forget. And it was also to point out that as a society we no longer read. And we have seemed to have forgotten that knowledge is power. And it is only if you’re informed that you’re able to make proper decisions and two, it is only if you’re informed that you’re able to educate others, that you’re able to explain to others why, as a society, we are the way we are.”

Flowers also spoke about the importance of having an informed public, saying that people must have the necessary information to better understand and participate in discussions surrounding national issues.

Dean Flowers, President, PSU: “I’m not one that will make any apology to say that we really have to do better. We really have to get off this mindset that to reach young people you have to use infographics and you have to use cartoons and you have to reach visuals. And there are those who will say well then I guess you’ll never reach young people. And I will say, maybe but at the end of the day, is it my place to reach young people or is it you as parents who have a duty and a responsibility to say to your children that growing up I’m a 70s baby you should be well informed where the news is concerned. And in your spare time, reading should be your number one hobby. That is what makes you well spoken.”

Flowers adds that meaningful discussions can only happen when citizens are aware of the issues affecting the country and are equipped with the information needed to hold institutions accountable./