Minister of State, Joseph Harmon today alleged that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has privatized the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre and has been leasing the property for a mere $1000 per month, GINA reported.
In his contribution to the budget debate today, Harmon said that this would mean that this commercial property in the heart of the City is being leased for a total of $12,000 annually and the company is being run by individuals who are all affiliated to the People’s Progressive Party.
GINA said that the Minister pointed out that, “The PPP/C Administration, while in government, spent millions on renovations on what was known as the Red House, and then renamed it the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre. But, this was state property until 2012, until the PPP/C established a company called the Cheddi Jagan Research Inc.” He added that “this property is now leased to the company for 999 years, for $1000 per month,” he disclosed.
In addition, the Minister of State said that, those sitting as Executives of the Company are all individuals who are connected to the PPP/C party in one way or another. These individuals, he said, include, the late Janet Jagan, Hydar Ally, Indra Chandarpal, Former President Donald Ramotar, Michael Khan, Kellawan Lall and Nadira Jagan along with Geoffrey DaSilva.
“What is even more surprising is the fact that these individuals are still being paid by the State,” Harmon said.
According to Harmon, this is only one of many such acts by the former Administration and the Government will be uprooting these. He said these matters are all being handled by the state asset recovery unit which has been set up. Further, audits and Commissions of Inquiries can be expected, he stated.