GTUC Demands Independent Commission of Inquiry into President Ali’s 150-Acre Ranch, Calls for Withdrawal of Former President Benefits Bill
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.
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.
The Commission should examine the use of public resources, the role of State agencies, tax obligations, concessions, regulatory approvals, and any other advantages that may have accrued through the holding of public office. It should also consider whether the responsibilities of the Presidency—which already carry a substantial salary, official benefits, pension, security, transportation, and staff funded by taxpayers—are compatible with the ownership and management of private commercial interests of this scale 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.
GTUC also calls for the immediate withdrawal of the 2026 Former Presidents” Benefits Bill.
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. Such legislation is particularly offensive at a time when many working families continue to struggle with the high cost of living despite Guyana’s unprecedented economic growth.
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.
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.
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.
GTUC therefore calls upon all Guyanese to support an independent inquiry and to reject any attempt to weaken the principles of good governance through secrecy, political expediency, or legislation that places an unjust burden on present and future generations of 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.
PRESS STATEMENT
July 8, 2026
