Amerindian Affairs PS arrested in sting operation; accused of taking ‘kickbacks’

Sharon Hicks, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, was arrested on Thursday afternoon during a sting operation carried out by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

According to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, police received reports that the PS was demanding payments from a contractor. This, reportedly, was ongoing for a number of months and the businessman was allegedly threatened that he would not receive contracts if those monies were not paid.

As such, a sting operation was conducted where marked bills were reportedly paid to the PS by the businessman. Subsequently, an officer informed the Permanent Secretary of the operation and found that the marked bills were in her possession.

Importantly, however, Blanhum said that the Permanent Secretary was released on bail but investigations into the matter are continuing.