The Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) is demanding the immediate resignation of both Ministers Collin Croal and Susan Rodrigues in the Ministry of Housing and Water in light of serious allegations involving land deals with convicted businessmen. This comes after IFAAD’s year-long calls for transparency surrounding the allocation of land in high-level development areas, which are now embroiled in controversy.
IFAAD has long expressed concerns over the lack of disclosure regarding who benefited from land allocations in these prime areas. Over a year ago, the institute called for the Ministry of Housing and Water to publicly disclose the identities of individuals and companies receiving land. Despite these repeated calls, the Ministry has failed to provide any meaningful answers, and recent reports have surfaced, suggesting that businessmen with known criminal backgrounds—some of whom have been convicted for corrupt practices—were awarded valuable land parcels.
“This scandal represents a serious breach of public trust,” said IFAAD spokesperson, Vice Chairman Pt. Ubraj Narine. The failure of the Ministry to act on these concerns, or even to provide clarity on the matter, is deeply troubling, the agency said. IFAAD believes the actions of these ministers have tarnished the integrity of public institutions and demonstrated a complete disregard for transparency and accountability.”
IFAAD further stated that the allegations against the Ministry and its leadership represent not just a failure of governance, but a broader issue of corruption and discrimination within the public sector. As such, IFAAD insists that both ministers resign from their positions to restore public confidence and prevent further damage to the nation’s institutions.
In addition to the resignation of the ministers, IFAAD is demanding an independent investigation by the Guyana Police Force into the land allocations, urging that any individuals or entities found guilty of wrongdoing be held fully accountable for their actions.
“We urge the Guyanese citizens to remain vigilant and to continue holding their leaders accountable. The fight against corruption and discrimination must remain our top priority,” the statement concluded.
