Possible multi-million dollar scam at Public Service Ministry; no fingers pointing at Jenny Westford

Last Updated on Wednesday, 29 July 2015, 17:28 by GxMedia

Governance Minister, Raphael Trotman, on Wednesday, confirmed reports of financial irregularity concerning “tens of millions of dollars” which occurred in the Ministry of Public Service which now falls under the Ministry of the Presidency.

“By the day things seem to be bubbling up from the deep,” Trotman told reporters when asked by a reporter to confirm whether rumors of financial irregularities within the ministry were accurate.

The minister said that he is not aware of any specific person who has been fingered. He further clarified that investigations do not point directly to former Public Service Minister, Jennifer Westford, but surround the ministry itself.

“I don’t want to name the minister directly, but certainly activities around that ministry pertaining to the allocation of tens of millions of dollars is, I believe, actively engaging the Guyana Police Force (GPF),” Trotman explained.

This morning Westford, along with Personnel Officer, Margaret Cummings, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates Court to answer charges connected to the acquisition and transfer of several government vehicles. Both women pleaded not-guilty and were granted a total of $2 million bail.

Trotman hastened to point out that the matter for which Westford appeared in court on Wednesday and the financial irregularity of which he spoke of are two separate matters.