Greenidge’s acquisition of govt-owned house wasn’t transparent

Last Updated on Saturday, 28 March 2015, 20:40 by GxMedia

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo holds a copy of Carl Greenidge's Transport for a house at Bel Air Gardens. — Former President Bharrat Jagdeo holds a copy of Carl Greenidge’s Transport for a house at Bel Air Gardens.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo on Saturday suggested that Former Finance Minister, Carl Greenidge of acquired a house from a then state-owned Guyana Stores Limited (GSL) in a less than transparent manner.

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However, Jagdeo brushed off questions about how he amassed wealth to purchase two houses, one of which he sold and then built a sprawling residential complex at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara. “I am prepared to do that but not to the Sabroek News or anyone else. I am prepared to do that because that’s what I said if people earn their moneyt honestly, why should they be worried about building a nice house,” he said when asked whether he was willing to disclose the source of funds. His construction of the houses had come during the period when he had said that he could not afforded a settlement for his separation from his partner, Varshnie Singh. They were never legally married.

Jagdeo told a news conference that Greenidge, who was Finance Minister under the People’s National Congress (PNC) administration up to October, 1992, had acquired a house at Bel Air Gradens – “the best area in the city”-for GUY$4 million based on a Transport dated January 25, 1993.

Showing a copy of the transport to media workers, Jagdeo appeared to use the opportunity to lash back at Greenidge for what he argued were unsubstantiated allegations of corruption against himself, President Donald Ramotar and Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh.

Jagdeo called on Presidential Candidate for the opposition coalition, David Granger to first address Greenidge’s acquisition of his house before accusing government functionaries of corruption.

“Granger talks about investigating corruption, maybe he should start with this so here is actual basis, I am not just making an allegation. I am giving you a document. I would love if they do the same when they make allegations of corruption about us. If you are coming to the people and asking for their votes then you can’t run from your record.”

Greenidge promised to respond to questions posed to him, while noting that the issue had been raised several years ago.