The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) has called for an independent Commission of Inquiry into President Irfaan Ali’s reported 150-acre ranch, saying only a transparent, impartial investigation can determine whether public resources or the Office of the Presidency played any role in the acquisition or development of the property.
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, the country’s umbrella labour body also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Former Presidents’ Benefits Bill 2026, arguing that the proposed legislation would saddle taxpayers with open-ended financial obligations while many Guyanese continue to struggle with the high cost of living.
The GTUC’s intervention comes amid mounting public scrutiny over reports of the President’s ranch and growing calls from sections of civil society and the political opposition for greater transparency surrounding the property.
“The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is deeply concerned by the revelations surrounding President Irfaan Ali’s ownership of a 150-acre ranch and calls for the immediate establishment of a truly independent Commission of Inquiry to determine how the property was acquired, the extent of the State’s involvement in its development, and whether the office of the Presidency has, directly or indirectly, conferred benefits that facilitated its establishment or expansion,” the statement said.
The union insisted that any investigation must be free from executive control and staffed by individuals whose independence is beyond question.
“This inquiry cannot be directed by the Executive or populated by individuals whose independence may reasonably be questioned. It must be empowered to summon witnesses, examine public records, receive expert testimony, and hear evidence from independent stakeholders so that the Guyanese people can have confidence in its findings.”
According to GTUC, the Commission should examine not only the acquisition of the property but also the possible use of public resources, the role of State agencies, tax obligations, concessions, regulatory approvals and any other benefits that may have arisen through the holding of public office.
The labour body further argued that the inquiry should determine whether the duties and responsibilities of the Presidency—which already carry a substantial taxpayer-funded salary, pension, security, transportation, official residence and staff—are compatible with the ownership and management of large-scale private commercial interests while serving as Head of State.
“Public office is a public trust. It must never become a vehicle for personal enrichment or create circumstances that give rise to legitimate questions about conflicts between private interests and public duty. The Guyanese people deserve full transparency and independent scrutiny.”
Benefits Bill draws sharp criticism
GTUC also trained its attention on the Former Presidents’ Benefits Bill 2026, calling for the legislation to be withdrawn before it is enacted.
The organisation said the bill would remove existing limits on benefits available to former presidents while exposing taxpayers to potentially unlimited financial obligations associated with their post-presidential lifestyles.
“The proposed legislation seeks to remove existing limits on benefits afforded to former Presidents while exposing taxpayers to potentially unlimited financial obligations associated with post-presidential lifestyles.”
Describing the proposal as particularly offensive, GTUC said it comes at a time when many working families are still battling rising living costs despite Guyana’s unprecedented economic growth driven by the oil sector.
“Workers—past, present and future—should not be expected to underwrite open-ended privileges for political officeholders. Public service is a duty to the nation, not a guarantee of lifelong financial entitlement at taxpayers’ expense.”
‘Passion for farming’ no substitute for accountability
The labour body also rejected explanations that sought to justify the President’s ownership of the ranch by pointing to his longstanding interest in agriculture.
“Equally unconvincing are attempts to dismiss legitimate public concerns by claiming that the President has always been a farmer or has a passion for agriculture. Those assertions do not answer the questions raised by the reported scale of the property, the circumstances surrounding its development, or the need for full public disclosure. Rhetoric must not shroud the necessity for accountability in public office.”
GTUC said the issue transcends partisan politics and instead strikes at the heart of integrity in public office and democratic governance.
“This issue must not be viewed through partisan lens for it borders on integrity in public office and the standards to which every holder of high office must be held. Democracy depends upon transparency, accountability, and equal application of the law.”
Calling on Guyanese to support an independent investigation, the union warned against any effort to weaken the principles of good governance through secrecy, political expediency or legislation that shifts an unjust financial burden onto taxpayers.
“The nation deserves answers. The workers deserve accountability. Public office must always remain an instrument of service to the people—not a pathway to privilege.”
Meanwhile, rather than supporting an independent inquiry that could either confirm or dispel the questions surrounding the President’s ranch, senior government officials, party functionaries and government-aligned social media activists have largely resorted to attacking and insulting critics instead of addressing the issues.
