‘Mohameds trying to blackmail President’ – says President Ali

President Ali has indicated to the media that he will not succumb to blackmail from the Mohamed family. He stated that, prior to these public allegations regarding his farm, he received a number of communications over a period of time concerning the release of information about him if amends were not made.

President Ali stated that he is in possession of text messages received from  the Senior Mohamed, including messages sent as recently as this week, which he ( Mohamed) says recordings would be released if amends were not made between the President and the Mohamed family. The President said this implied the Government’s easing of Extradition proceedings requested by the USA.

The President said those communications and their contents are capable of examination and speak for themselves, adding that he is willing to make them public.

Today’s publication, he said, is one such contrived story concerning his farm.

The stated facts regarding President Irfaan Ali’s farm are as follows:

· President Ali acquired the farm long before assuming the office of President. The acquisition of the property predates his presidency and can be independently verified through banking records and other official documentation.

· As required by law, the President has made the appropriate declarations to the Integrity Commission. The acquisition of his assets and the source of the funds used to acquire them are capable of verification through the relevant financial and regulatory records.

· It is well known, both within Guyana and internationally, that President Ali has a longstanding passion for agriculture and farming. His interest in the sector did not begin with his presidency but has existed for many years. He is widely recognized for his hands-on approach to farming and for championing innovation and modern agricultural practices. As President, he has also been a leading advocate for Guyana’s food-security agenda and regional food-security initiatives.

· The farm has never received any special benefit, preferential treatment, or assistance from the Government of Guyana, either before or after President Ali assumed office. At no point have State funds, public resources, or government assets been used in relation to this investment.

· The facts surrounding the President’s ownership of the farm are verifiable through the appropriate legal, financial, and regulatory channels. This is well known within Guyana’s farming community.