Local businessman Eddie Doolal, the recipient of a lease from NICIL for controversial lands at Peters Hall yesterday said that the transactions for his plots can withstand scrutiny and he believes that he is caught in the middle of a political feud.
Doolal, who said that he was held by police for 72 hours for questioning into the matter, said that he has “cooperated fully with the police and provided adequate information including documents regarding the lease, the sale and assignment.”
He also denied that he sold his lease rights for $100, saying that the investor arrangement he entered into with a partner was to acquire finances to see the project though. Doolal did not say how much the investment capital was.
“I, however, categorically deny being involved in any arrangement or conspiracy to defraud the state. My transaction was above board, and was sanctioned by NICIL,” he said in a statement given to Stabroek News.
“The proceeds arising out of this arrangement is not meant to be used for personal gain but to develop the remaining plot of land so that the company could develop its business. I believe that I am caught in the middle of a political situation and plead with the politicians to keep me out of any political battle,” he added.
Doolal told this newspaper that he had kept his silence because he did not want to be “caught up in a back and forth with the media” on the issue since he believes that the issue was brought to fore because of politics. He said that as a husband, father and businessman, he has been caught up in a situation where he should not be, and he is pleading with authorities to have his name exonerated.
“I am an honest hard-working businessman who have dedicated my entrepreneurial skills to develop businesses that would create better opportunities and improve the life of my fellow Guyanese,” he said.
Further, he added, “This entire matter has caused tremendous damage to my name, my family and businesses. My competitors are now linking this transaction to my other businesses in an effort to tarnish my reputation and integrity.”
Doolal’s company, A-Z Pharmaceu-tical, and Avalon Jagnandan, of Life 1 Pharms, according to National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) documents, received only $100 each when they transferred their leases to Chinese national Jian Fen Yu, possibly as only a procedural legal covering for the transfer.
Sources say that Doolal, whose office is close to that of PNCR member James Bond, had been told that he could acquire the lease to the land and then flip it to make money. The agreement to flip it was reportedly drawn up by Bond and Doolal duly sold the rights to the land to the Chinese national for $100. According to the source, fifty percent of the monies were paid at the law offices of an attorney and Bond collected. The other half was later paid and Doolal then sought to collect his cut.
Doolal vehemently denies this and called on the sources to provide evidence to this end.
“I deny completely any involvement in any matter regarding the defrauding of the state, as, all along this transaction is perceived to be genuine and sacrosanct. I remain a son of the soil with true intentions to work and develop my country and invest and make Guyana a permanent place of abode for myself and family,” he said.
This newspaper was reliably informed that there is no record at NICIL that Bond was retained by that agency for legal or other works. NICIL’s former acting Chief Executive Officer Colvin Heath-London would possibly have to answer as to what role Bond played and how he became so involved in the processes.
Stabroek News has reached out to Bond who said that he continues to hold the position he had communicated to this newspaper before. “I have the same position,” he said.
Bond has told this newspaper that he would not be speaking to the press on the issue.
“No response,” he said just over a week ago when contacted. Questioned on the reason for his decision, given the serious allegations that have arisen, he said, “I am not going to speak to the press”. Asked then who would he be speaking to, he replied, “The court, the police, SOCU (Special Organised Crime Unit)”.
