In a strongly worded letter to recent denial by officials of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government, former Georgetown Mayor and ex-GDF Staff Sergeant Pt. Ubraj Narine has criticised the administration’s rejection of the U.S. State Department’s 2025 report, which raised serious concerns about corruption and money laundering in Guyana.
Narine questioned Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall’s swift dismissal of the report, urging the government to confront, rather than deflect, international scrutiny.
The report, which drew criticism from Nandlall and was rejected as baseless by the government, has become a flashpoint in ongoing debates about governance and accountability in the country.
The U.S report which addressed money laundering and corruption was met with strong rejection by Nandlall, who claimed the government does not tolerate corruption and is doing much in the fight against drugs trade and money laundering. Nandlall is also daring those alleging involvement of the public official to provide the evidence.
The Attorney General told Stabroek News, that “Any statement (linking money laundering to corruption amongst public officials), must be substantiated by empirical/anecdotal evidence
Narine has however challenged the Attorney General’s defensive posture, arguing that outright dismissal of international findings does little to reassure the public or international stakeholders. “The United States is not known for making baseless allegations in its annual reports,” Narine wrote, suggesting that the State Department’s claims likely stem from “documented trends, intelligence gathering, and credible sources.”
Narine went further, calling for international investigations into senior officials within the ruling PPP/C administration, including the Attorney General and other ministers. “If anyone should be under scrutiny, it is the very officials who have the most to lose if such allegations are substantiated,” he said.
His letter also referenced ongoing concerns about unresolved allegations involving high-level government figures, including Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and his alleged dealings with Chinese businessman Su Zhi Rhong. Narine criticized the lack of progress in domestic investigations, particularly from the Guyana Police Force, and pointed to the former CEO of the Ministry of Housing and Water, who allegedly acquired multiple properties in the U.S.
“This is not a matter of national pride or sovereignty—it is a matter of accountability and truth,” Narine emphasised, urging the PPP/C government to welcome independent audits and international reviews.
He concluded with a stark reminder: “Guyana deserves governance that is transparent, just, and free from the taint of corruption. The people are watching. The world is watching.”
Truth be told, the Irfaan Ali five-year government has put no system in place to curb money laundering, the narco economy or charge anyone for these offences even though these malpractices are known and widespread in the society.
