In response to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s allegations, Nigel Hughes, Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), has welcomed a full and comprehensive investigation into any land acquisitions he has made, specifically addressing the claims related to the Groete Creek area.
Jagdeo, at his yesterday press conference, accused Hughes of securing a total of 75 acres of land near Groete Creek, Essequibo, after the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance (APNU+AFC) coalition lost the No-Confidence Motion and was reduced to a caretaker government. A caretaker government functions as a normal government, with few restrictions as prescribed by law or policies, until a new government is sworn in.
According to Jagdeo, Hughes was granted leases for the land in October 2019 and again in March 2020, just after the general elections. In his response, Hughes acknowledged Jagdeo’s call for an investigation, welcoming the scrutiny and providing further details about his acquisition of the land.
He explained that in January 2016, he purchased 50 acres of heavily forested land at Groete Creek from Simon Munroe for the sum of $2 million. Hughes said the purchase was fully documented, with the agreement of sale available for review.
Hughes further clarified that, in order to have the land transferred into his name, he was required to submit an application to the Guyana Land and Survey Commission (GLSC), the documentation of which he posted on hs facebook page. The GLSC approved the application for a lease on the property in October 2019, which was a step toward finalising the land transfer. Following the approval, Hughes, wrote that he was obligated to conduct a survey of the land, which was completed and submitted to the GLSC.
Despite meeting all required conditions, Hughes claims that the GLSC has persistently refused to issue a final lease, severely hindering his ability to move forward with any development plans. He further stated that the GLSC has not accepted the payment of rent, and despite sending multiple letters to Commissioner Monize, he has received no acknowledgment or response. According to Hughes, this refusal has intentionally frustrated his attempts to proceed with the land acquisition.
Hughes also emphasised that his situation is not unique, citing an additional 25-acre parcel of land, which he acquired jointly with an investor. The fate of that lease, according to Hughes, remains the same as the Groete Creek property—blocked by delays and a lack of action from the GLSC. He reiterated his call for a full investigation into both acquisitions to understand the reasons behind the repeated roadblocks.
Regarding Jagdeo’s comments on lands at Ogle, Hughes welcomed an investigation into all properties sold and acquired in the area. He invited the Vice President to disclose the companies in which he holds equity, urging a thorough investigation into the land transactions, especially those along the Heroes Highway, where, according to Hughes, beneficiaries transferred property to a CEO in New York.
Hughes also raised concerns about transparency, specifically questioning the fate of land allocated for the construction of a new court complex along the Heroes Highway, asking whether the land is still designated for that purpose.
On the issue of the land acquisitions at Groete Creek, Hughes expressed his frustration with what he believes is a deliberate attempt to hinder his development efforts. He pointed to the prevailing government policy, which he claimed favors friends, family, and the politically connected, while blocking the progress of others.
In a strong statement, Hughes reiterated his belief that the government’s actions reflect systemic corruption and cronyism, which he has consistently opposed. “Let’s all commit to cleaning up the corruption,” Hughes declared, urging for transparency in land acquisitions and calling for a broader investigation into state land dealings.
In response to Jagdeo’s criticism of his legal representation of a Trinidadian company that secured land at Ogle, Hughes defended his actions. Jagdeo had claimed that Hughes, acting as a lawyer for the company, helped secure 20 acres of land at $26 million per acre, and another 10 acres at Earl’s Court for $10 million per acre, before the 2020 elections. However, Hughes dismissed Jagdeo’s comments as politically motivated, calling for clarity and a full investigation into the transactions.
In making the case Hughes stressed the importance of fairness and transparency, calling for all inquiries into state land acquisitions to be held promptly and impartially. He underscored his commitment to seeking justice, emphasising that “Better Must Come” for the people of Guyana.
