Police called in to support access to MRL accounts
-as company refuses to hand over books
IN an effort to verify the information of Mahaicony Rice Limited (MRL)indebtedness to rice farmers, Guyana Rice Development Board, the Regulatory Body, in accordance to section 10 (1) of the Rice Factories Act, advise MRL that they should make the relevant books of records of paddy purchase and sales, available to officers of GRDB on Monday 1st September, 2010. By way of a letter dated August 31st, 2010, the Manager of MRL, Mrs. Taramattie Ghani requested for 30 days to make the necessary arrangement.

After some discussion, the time was granted and a further extension was granted after the Managing Director requested same.

On Thursday 4th November, 2010 the Manager of MRL was informed that the GRDB Officers will present themselves on 8th November, 2010 at their Headquarters, located at Spooner, Mahaicony and they should make the necessary books available.

On arrival yesterday morning, the accountant of MRL refused to give such information and informed the GRDB officers that he has instructions that this information should not be given.

The Guyana Police Force was summoned and they escorted two MRL staff to the Mahaicony Police Station.

The investigation will continue and the police requested the Manager of MRL to present herself to the station by 8:30 h this morning.

In accordance with the law, the GRDB will insist that MRL make its books available once the company does not have anything to hide.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Rice Development Board will continue to work with the Guyana Police Force to examine possible interventions to ensure MRL comply with the law.