MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon yesterday revealed  that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has privatised the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre and has been leasing the property for a mere $1,000 per month.This would mean that this commercial property, which is located in the heart of the city, is being leased for a total of $12,000 annually, and the company is being run by individuals who are all affiliated to the People’s Progressive Party.
The minister pointed out that, “The PPP/C Administration, while in government, spent millions on renovations on what was known as the Red House, and then renamed it the Cheddi Jagan Research Center. But this was State property until 2012, until the PPP/C established a company called the Cheddi Jagan Research Inc.” He added that “this property is now leased to the company for 999 years, for $1,000 per month,” he disclosed.
In addition, the Minister of State pointed out that those sitting as executives of the company are all individuals who are connected to the PPP/C party in one way or another. These individuals, he said,  include the late Janet Jagan, Hydar Ally, Indra Chandarpal, Former President Donald Ramotar, Michael Khan, Kellawan Lall and Nadira Jagan along with Geoffrey DaSilva.
“What is even more surprising is the fact that these individuals are still being paid by the State,” Harmon said.
According to Harmon, this is only one of many such acts by the former Administration and the Government will be exposing these. He said these matters are all being handled by the Assets Recovery Unit which has been set up. Further audits and Commissions of Inquiry can be expected, he stated.