Georgetown: The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions today recommended that former Minister of Public Service Jennifer Westford be charged over her alleged attempt to transfer a government vehicle into her name.
A charge was also recommended against ministry employee Margaret Cummings who had allegedly signed a key document.
Police had sent a file to the DPP and it was returned to them on July 7th with certain instructions. It was returned one day later by the police. All of the vehicles which are at the centre of the probe have been returned. The scheme was unearthed when Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority Khurshid Sattaur wrote to Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry Hydar Ally on June 10, 2015 requesting that he re-issue a letter, dated April 14, 2015, requesting the transfer of registration for eight vehicles into the names of Westford, Wayne Walker, Delroy Lewis, Gary Beaton (who is said to be Westford’s spouse) and Osbert McPherson.
A change of registration for two vehicles for Walker was sought; one for Lewis; one for Westford; three for Beaton and one for Mc Pherson. The letter was signed by Cummings for Hydar Ally, the ministry’s permanent secretary.
Reports indicate that Dr Westford, her spouse and two senior officials from the Ministry have state assets being transferred to their names.
President David Granger had disclosed that Government was in possession of evidence that shows several state vehicles being transferred to the former Minister and her spouse, who is a serving member of the Guyana Defence Force. The evidence also points to two senior officials within the Ministry who are connected with the transfer of state assets.
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had noted that irregularities were recognised on documents from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) which indicated that vehicles were being transferred to the four persons. The vehicles include seven high-end brands. Permanent Secretary Hydar Ally brought the issue to the attention of the Minister of State who launched an immediate investigation.
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