The Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) has called for a formal investigation by the Guyana Police Force into allegations of corruption involving Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, and Businessman Su Zhirong, as revealed by a recent Vice News report.
The formal request by IFAAD, comes on the heels of scathing reports emanating out of a recent periodic report by the country in which Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, defended the lack of a formal investigation locally by asserting, it had not been reported to the Guyana Police Force.
In a letter addressed to Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, dated March 21, 2024, IFAAD in its missive,
Signed by former Georgetown Mayor, and IFAAD Vice Chairman, Pt. Ubraj Narine, the letter expresses trust in the Guyana Police Force’s commitment to upholding justice and preventing corruption.
As such, according to Pt. Narine, “The evidence presented in their report suggests that high-level officials may be engaging in illicit activities, which must be thoroughly investigated to maintain public trust and uphold the rule of law.”
To this end, IFAAD’s Pt. Narine, has since written to the Commissioner of Police, to “…we strongly urge you to ensure that this investigation is conducted transparently and without any influence or obstruction. It is vital to instill public confidence by demonstrating that the Guyana Police Force is committed to upholding justice and combating corruption at all levels.”
The organisation in its missive emphasised the need for public confidence in the investigative process, urging the police to ensure independence and transparency. It requests the dissemination of investigation findings to the public and appropriate legal action if the allegations are substantiated.
According to IFAAD’s Pt. Narine, once “the investigation has been completed, we kindly request that you share the findings with the public, ensuring transparency and accountability. Additionally, if the allegations are substantiated, we urge you to take appropriate legal action against those responsible. Such action will serve as a powerful deterrent against corruption within our society, thereby promoting a fair and just environment for all citizens.”
Acknowledging corruption as a significant challenge hindering socio-economic development and perpetuating inequality, IFAAD in its missive sought to underscore the importance of prompt and thorough investigations into such allegations.
As an organisation dedicated to fighting discrimination and advocating for justice, we firmly believe that all members of society, regardless of their position or influence, should be held accountable for their actions. Corruption remains a significant challenge in our country, undermining trust in institutions, hindering socio-economic development, and perpetuating inequality. It is imperative that prompt and thorough investigations are conducted whenever allegations of corruption arise.”
In the formal complaint to Commissioner Hicken, IFAAD’s Vice Chairman noted “We trust that the Guyana Police Force, under your leadership, will conduct a timely and thorough investigation into these serious allegations.”
