“Ali Govt Complicit in Lethem Border Goods Smuggling” – Joint Services Officials

Former Joint Services Officers are labeling the Government of Guyana as complicit in the anarchy that is ongoing at the Guyana-Brazil border. It has been reported to Village Voice News that large shipments of alcohol, perishables and meats are entering Guyana without thorough inspection by customs. These goods are moved by trucks that are being given a free pass by customs officers who operate at the Lethem Border.

One Joint Services Officer told this publication, “The Ali government is complicit in these practices. They are sustaining the ‘friends, family, and favorites’ initiative widely reported online.” The officer added, “It seems that customs at the Lethem border are not being properly monitored because it is outside the city center. This is a security failure, a food safety disaster, and a major obstacle to the development of small businesses in Guyana.”

Another Joint Services officer stated, “Given the recent discovery of a large cocaine shipment, a plane, and an unknown airstrip in Guyana, along with the corruption recently exposed within the Guyana Police Force, there is an urgent need to monitor customs and border points at every entry in the country.” The officer emphasized that both police and customs officials require vetting and strict oversight. He further remarked, “The distrust of business operators and the lack of transparency within the police force are directly tied to the actions of the Ali government.”

It was reported by Vendors who ply their Brazil-Guyana trade that hundreds of trucks are crossing the Guyana Lethem Border daily without a thorough inspection. It is believed by witnesses that many are filled with alcohol being imported by the Chinese, who the vendors are buying from to resell.  The vendors claim they are now being forced to buy licenses and cannot compete with the Chinese nor the large importers who are being allowed to pass with minimum inspection at customs.

Corruption allegations against senior government of Guyana officials is not new.  In 2022, Vice News conducted an undercover operation led by journalist Isobel Yeung, which implicated Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in allegedly accepting $500,000 in bribes from Chinese businessmen who were seeking business opportunities in Guyana. The reported meetings took place in Jagdeo’s home, where he was recorded offering governmental support. During the conversation, Jagdeo was heard assuring the businessmen of his assistance and connection to influential figures. The footage raised significant public concern, though no formal police investigation was launched, as authorities cited the absence of an official complaint.

Jagdeo was heard saying, “you will get the support. SU is my friend you will get all the support.” Another voice said “we have to be clear on all the agreements.” Govt Spokesperson Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo then said, “The thing is, I am in Government, I can assist from the government side that’s it.  And with a hand shake, the footage revealed the group leaving.