“I have done nothing wrong” – Broomes defends transfer of dredge to children

Last Updated on Monday, 16 May 2016, 15:56 by Denis Chabrol

Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes

Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Bromes is defending her decision to transfer mining assets to her two children after concerns were raised about a possible conflict of interest at the weekend.

Broomes at a Monday morning press conference, made it clear that the process was devoid of corruption as she detailed having written the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to initiate the process and later having her children complete the process.

“I am not responding to individual persons attack I am just giving clarity to the Guyanese people…I think that what is circulating out there at this time it is deliberate attempt to besmirch me,” said Broomes as she maintained “I have done nothing wrong.”

In fact the Minister pointed out that contrary to the reports, what happened was not the transferal of a mining permit but rather the simple transfer of a dredge.

“All I have done is transfer a dredge that was in existence for decades it has nothing to do with a permit,” she stated.

“While my children are in the sector they have no other door to go through but the right one…I think it is very outstanding that a Minister has a child towing the line and going by the law,” Broomes added.

She reminded that should a situation arise where a conflict of interest may arise she will not be the person handling such issues but rather Minister Raphael Trotman.

Asked whether the President or any senior official recommended the transfer, Broomes responded in the negative.

“I am not the person that would be dealing with anything if something comes up… in the best interest of all he (President Granger) knows and expect that I will do the decent thing,” said Broomes.