Two former top PPP/C government officials charged by SOCU

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DPI, GUYANA, Thursday, April 12, 2018

The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has laid charges against two former top the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government officials for their “misconduct in public office; contrary to common law” as it pertains to the sale of three plots of state land.

Former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh and former Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL)/ Privatisation Unit, Winston Brassington have been charged with illegally selling three plots of land for over GY$900M.

According to the charges, the former Finance Minister and NICIL Chairman had on May 14, 2011 by way of an agreement of sale and purchase “acted recklessly when they sold Multicinema Guyana Incorported a 10-acre tract of state land at Turkeyen for GY$185,037,000 without first having procured a valuation from a competent valuation officer.

They are also accused of selling 103 acres of state land, by an agreement of sale and purchase, to National Hardware Guyana Limited for GY$598,659,398 (VAT exclusive) with first procuring a valuation.

The third and similar charge concerned the sale of 4.7 acres of land for GY$150 million to Scady Business Corporation, “knowing that the said property was valued at GY$340 million”

The case was adjourned to May 7, 2018 to allow the defence lawyers to contact their clients concerning the charges.

They have been given until early next month to make an appearance in connection to the charge.

 

By: Alexis Rodney