PPP, Westford mum on “illegal” transfer of state vehicles

Last Updated on Monday, 22 June 2015, 16:25 by GxMedia

PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee.

by Zena Henry

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Clement Rohee has refused to divulge the party’s actions towards one of its members now accused of illegally trying to transfer a number of state vehicles to herself, and at least four other persons.

Some days ago, evidence surfaced implicating the former Public Service Minister, Dr Jennifer Westford in the act of changing the registration of eight vehicles from the ministry to persons connected to her. Rohee at the party’s weekly press briefing, Monday June 22 indicated that he was aware of the matter.

He said that, “I met with the comrade and we had some discussions and she was advised on a course of action to take.” He said, “I verily, verily believe that she is following that course of action.” The General Secretary declined however to say what that course of action was and whether action was taken against the member by the party.

For her part, the former minister said she had no comment on the matter. She said, whatever allegations are being made against me I don’t deal with it in the media.”

The PPP would have lost the General and Regional elections more than a month ago after 23-years in power but claimed they were cheated at a rigged election conducted by the Elections Commission (GECOM). The new government has accused the former administration of gross corruption and claims to be on a path to right their wrongs.

It was reported last week that two staffers of the Ministry of the Presidency; Personnel Officer Margaret Cummings, and Joyann Taylor, were sent on administrative leave, and Minister of State Joseph Harmon explained that this was to facilitate investigations into the shady transactions which the women are alleged to have knowledge of.

Permanent Secretary Hydar Ally is also implicated in the matter since Harmon claimed that documents concerning the vehicles were sent to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) purportedly signed by on behalf of the former Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry. Others implicated in the matter included, Gary Beaton, Wayne Walker, Delroy Lewis; and Osbert McPherson.

The government managed to get their hands on cash receipts bearing the names of persons implicated in the matter. While the matter has not reached its end, the government did say that anyone culpable of such illegal acts will face prosecution.