Expressing concern over assets of the Mayor and City Council being undervalued and negotiated for disposal, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development today warned that such actions would not be tolerated.
The statement alleged that the disposal of city assets was being done “through highly suspicious and shady transactions.”
Deputy Mayor Alfred Mentore in response to the statement slammed the Ministry on the accusation and said that it was “scurrilous and defamatory.” He told Stabroek News that the statement is pointing fingers at the council and the ministry should produce evidence to support its allegations.
Mentore, who is head of the Council’s committee on Investment and Development explained that every action of the committee is above board. He stated that while they have reviewed leases and made recommendations to the Council, they have never engaged in any real estate sales.
The statement from the ministry this morning said that “it has been reported that several properties owned by the Mayor and City Council have been undervalued and are currently being negotiated for disposal through very questionable processes.”
“Parties to these corrupt transactions will be held accountable and will face the full extent of the law,” the statement added.
It is unclear what transactions would have prompted the statement from the Ministry. Mentore said that he is surprised at the statement being made in the media as neither the Ministry nor Minister Nigel Dharamlall has contacted them for any clarification on “whatever the issue is.”
