Opposition to file criminal charges against Government for misuse of State funds

The Opposition is working to build a case to file private criminal charges against Government Ministers for allegedly enriching themselves from State funds.

This was related to the media on Monday at a Press Conference hosted by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

This decision comes against the backdrop of an investigation being conducted by Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) into financial mismanagement by the former Peoples Progressive Party’s Administration and the refusal by the government to hire an international firm to look into elected officials’ financial holdings. He is of the view that the administration is hiding something and is also calling on the public to expose corruption practices known to them even if it means the party paying a sum.

“We can prove a case in court that they have taken financial assets of the State based on a Cabinet decision that they themselves made to give themselves an increase bigger than anyone else: that is enrichment also,” he said. However, asked to divulge details, Jagdeo said “we don’t do our business like how they (government) have been talking. We are not talking about going to jail and all of that. We are preparing the documents.” Jagdeo said the opposition is concerned, though, about what will happen at the level of the Integrity Commission and whether persons will tamper with documents.

The Government began an investigation into properties acquired by former Government officials at Pradoville located on the East Coast of Demerara.