Former Public Service Minister Dr Jennifer Westford is now the subject of another police investigation, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has confirmed. Sources say this time it pertains to a sum of around $120m.
When contacted, Blanhum said that the police have “initiated investigations”. While he did not provide specifics, Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman told reporters at a post cabinet press briefing yesterday that this newest probe involves the allocation of tens of millions of dollars. Stabroek News has since learnt that the sum is just over $120M.
Trotman told reporters that things seem to be “bubbling up” and that one of them pertains to the Ministry of the Public Service’s allocation of tens of millions of dollars. He said that the allocation is actively engaging the attention of the Guyana Police Force.
Westford came into public focus last month when a document showed that she and four other persons allegedly attempted to have the registrations for eight state-owned vehicles transferred into their names. After a police investigation and weeks being reviewed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, a charge was recommended and yesterday she appeared in court with regards to that matter.
Westford was charged with four counts of attempting to committed larceny when she sought to transfer vehicles from the government to herself and several other persons.
Another employee Margaret Cummings also appeared in court yesterday charged over her alleged role in the scheme.
