The Guyana Police Force’s legal advisor on Monday returned the case file on the controversial ‘Pradoville 2’ land deal to the police but it is unclear what advice has been given.
A source close to the investigation confirmed the return of the file but was unable to discuss the contents since the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU), which compiled the report on the deal, had not been contacted.
An investigation done by SARU during October, last year, discovered that the lands were sold for far less than they were worth.
Among those who benefited from the arrangement were former president Bharrat Jagdeo and former PPP/C ministers Jennifer Westford, Priya Manickchand, Clement Rohee and Robert Persaud. Ex-army chief Gary Best and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack were also on the list of beneficiaries.
The SARU report, which was seen by Stabroek News stated, “The lands were sold to the former ministers and known friends and associates of the previous regime. At the time of the sale the lands were grossly undervalued and sold substantially lower than the market value for the land thereby depriving the state of its full benefits.” It added that the lands were sold for $114 per square foot.
The document also noted that transfers and subsequent sales of properties had conditions attached, such as the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) would have to sign off on any sale before 10 years of ownership.
Manickchand, it said, sold her land to Dave Naraine for $100 million on February 21, 2013, three years after the purchase of the said land, without any written permission from the CH&PA, thereby breaching one of the conditions attached.
It added that Persaud’s land was transferred into the names of relatives. On September 18, 2014 the said land was sold to LSR Company for $90 million without any written permission from CH&PA, thereby also being in breach.
The document further said that the overseer of the Industry/Plaisance Neighbourhood Demo-cratic Council (NDC) had also indicated that no rates were paid since occupancy of the land.
SARU’s investigations revealed that a decision was taken by Cabinet in 2010 for the land to be privatised. This decision was done without any authorisation and approval from the relevant bodies.
The unit, in its recommendation, said the former ministers could be held liable for misconduct in public office and that the Attorney-General may institute proceedings against them.
Best had confirmed ownership of lands at ‘Pradoville 2’ and said that he was aware of an investigation. Best, who retired from the army in 2013 and is currently Presidential Adviser on the Environment, declined to comment further given that the matter was engaging the attention of the Attorney General.
When he bought the land in September 2012, he was heading the army.
Jagdeo had pointed out that he would not say much on the issue as it is sub judice but stressed that the public has an incorrect understanding of the transactions.
He owns almost two acres of land in the scheme and he currently resides there.
