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Vinceroy Jordan, MP and Shadow Minister of Agriculture for the PNCR/APNU Coalition, has called for an urgent investigation into what he describes as a “massive corruption scheme” within the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) in Region 5. In a statement released today, Jordan cited reliable sources within the Ministry of Agriculture who allege that millions of dollars have been misappropriated through fraudulent requisitions for work that was never completed or significantly overvalued.
“The corruption at the MMA/ADA has been ongoing for years, involving staff members and contractors who have exploited public funds for personal gain,” said Jordan. He stressed that financial records at the MMA/ADA hold evidence of these fraudulent activities, which have been left unchecked for too long.
These allegations come just weeks after the MMA/ADA returned to the National Assembly to request an additional $60 million in funding, despite already receiving $250 million from the 2024 budget under Capital Expenditure. Jordan expressed grave concerns over the agency’s handling of public funds, stating, “It is alarming that an organization already under scrutiny for mismanagement would request additional funds without addressing these serious allegations.”
Jordan highlighted a previous case involving a supervisor at the agency who allegedly misappropriated millions of dollars by paying a ghost security guard. Despite these accusations, no investigation has been conducted, and the supervisor remains employed at the MMA/ADA. “We cannot allow this matter to be swept under the rug like past instances of corruption,” Jordan declared.
In addition to financial misconduct, Jordan called attention to other allegations against senior figures at the MMA/ADA. These include claims of land-grabbing, misuse of government machinery, fuel, and staff, particularly pointing to the Vice-Chairman of the agency, Mr. Zaid Rafoodeen. “The Minister must investigate these claims with the seriousness they deserve,” Jordan urged.
Jordan’s statement also referenced the unresolved investigation into the destruction of thousands of duck eggs under the Ministry of Agriculture’s Livestock Development Authority, which many believe was an act of sabotage. “The Minister of Agriculture owes the public answers on both this issue and the current corruption scandal,” he added.
In closing, Jordan reiterated the Coalition’s commitment to transparency and justice, promising that, if the PNCR/APNU Coalition returns to office, these matters will be thoroughly investigated. “We assure the people of Guyana, especially those in the Mahaica/Berbice region, that we will make these investigations a priority, and the findings will be made public,” Jordan vowed.
As of now, the Ministry of Agriculture has not responded to the calls for investigation, leaving questions about the extent of the corruption and the potential for a cover-up.
