AG writes SOCU, CID for criminal investigation into land distribution
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall

– Jordan says allegations ‘baseless’

ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has written to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), officially requesting a criminal investigation into the distribution of state lands by the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration.
In separate letters, dispatched on Monday, the Attorney General said the Government of Guyana is requesting a criminal investigation into transactions made by the former administration after the successful passage of the no-confidence motion in December 2018. Nandlall also requested that all consequential legal resources be pursued including the institution of criminal charges.

Former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan

Based on a list issued by the Attorney General’s Chambers on Sunday, lands valuing $2,383,390,759 were issued by the APNU+AFC to eight private investors, while only $64,623,276 was paid over, a mere two per cent of the consolidated total.

Among the eight companies listed are Caribbean Marketing Enterprise Inc.; Navigant Builders Inc; Cardiology Services Inc.; Premier Sales and Services; Supergraphics; American Marine Services Inc.; Guyana Oil Company Limited (GUYOIL); and BK Marine Inc.

“It will be noted that except in one case, where ten per cent of the purchase price was paid, a mere fraction of the purchase price was paid but title was vested by former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan,” said the AG’s Chambers.

Further, each of those titles were vested after the March, 2, 2020 general and regional elections, and each agreement of sale was entered into after the former APNU+AFC government was toppled by the successful passage of the no-confidence motion, which, essentially, ‘stripped’ them of their authority to enter into agreements of sale or vest titles.
The Attorney General, after seeking legal advice on this matter, had determined that he could properly maintain an action for the offence of misfeasance in public office against Jordan, while the Director of Public Prosecutions (DDP) could similarly maintain criminal proceedings against the same individual.

As a result, the Attorney General said he will commence civil proceedings, this week, to, among other things, recover the said parcels of land and claim compensation against those implicated, including Jordan and the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Colvin Heath – London.

JORDAN SAYS ALLEGATIONS BASELESS
Jordan, in responding to the Attorney General, said: “These allegations (and innuendos) against me are baseless and repugnant. In my view, they are designed to impugn my character, tarnish my image and lower my esteem in the eyes of my family, friends, admirers, well-wishers and the general public.”

The former Finance Minister, in a letter on Monday, said he performed his duties in compliance with the oath of office and to the best of his abilities.
On the advice of Counsel, Jordan refrained from delving into matters of an evidentiary and factual basis. This, he said, will be done at the appropriate time.

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