–following revelations on fraud conviction

By Ariana Gordon
THE Government of Guyana is likely to recall Guyana’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr Shamir Ally, following revelations via the media that he was charged and convicted of fraud, sources close to the Government said.Dr Ally was reportedly convicted on March 4, 2003 by a United States District Court Judge, for the dissemination of false financial information by Acrodyne Communications, Inc (“Acrodyne”) in press releases and Commission filings in 1998, 1999 and 2000.
He was convicted for violations of anti-fraud and was charged jointly with two other persons and fined U.S.$10,000, Kaieteur News reported.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said it was probing reports that Dr Ally is a convicted felon.
“I have seen one of the publications and we are investigating and trying to establish the veracity in determining the seriousness of the conviction,” Carl Greenidge, Minister of Foreign Affairs told reporters.
He said when the investigation is completed a report would be made to Cabinet.
However, on Thursday, just after the conclusion of the weekly post-cabinet press briefing, Cabinet Secretary and Minister of State Joseph Harmon told reporters that ambassadors are subject to interviews and it is at those interviews that the ambassadors are required to ‘come clean.’
“Basically, there is a question of interviews and so on. If people suppress information you would never know it until after the fact. So that is the reality,” said Harmon, who told reporters that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is examining the situation and will “take the appropriate steps as they consider the importance of that matter.”
Asked if the Government is convinced that Dr Ally suppressed vital information , Minister Harmon declined to comment, but noted that Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge is currently checking the source of the information.
“We will ask the person to provide us with information… so we do not try you in your absence. The person will be given an opportunity to provide an answer, explanations to the ministry as to what that situation is,” he added.

DUE DILIGENCE
On Wednesday, the Foreign Affairs Minister said “due diligence was exercised” during the lead-up to Dr Ally’s appointment and said too that because of the size of the United States, where the ambassador resided, it can be difficult to obtain information.
“… Something may happen in one part [of the U.S.] and you can’t approach the U.S. and get answers. You have to go to the right courts and the right states,” he said.
Dr Ally has also served on a number of boards and bodies in Guyana over the years. Earlier this year, he was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest). Notwithstanding Dr Ally’s conviction, the minister said the APNU+AFC Government chose the “best set” of diplomats to represent the country.
“I think we have, with experience and qualifications – the best set of ambassadors that you could put together for the work they are required to undertake. Compared with the teams we’ve had over the years, they are very well placed to undertake the goals that we set out.”
The Guyana Chronicle understands that in the case of Dr Ally, the security and background checks took longer than anticipated. A source close to the Government said it is the responsibility of the Government to request vital information from those identified to serve as ambassadors.
“The Government will ask them to disclose everything… it is up to the person to be honest,” said the source who noted that ambassadors are not only screened from the local end, but also from the host country.
The Guyana Chronicle understands that the selectee’s financial information, his friends, associates and the amount of money he or she has worked for are under scrutiny.
It is believed that it would be in the best interest of the Government to have Dr Ally removed from his post, as it would be difficult for him to function in that position.
Dr Ally was part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs one-week orientation session for ambassadors in June.