Special Projects Manager of the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), Nikita Walters has denied allegations that she was involved in irregularities with the agency’s accountant.
In an interview with Stabroek News on Tuesday, she asserted that she is being victimized in an internal investigation.
The controversy erupted following an internal audit initiated by GMC General Manager Teshawna Lall, prompted by discrepancies in the company’s chicken sales receipts. Lall’s concerns led to a separate investigation ordered by the Ministry of Agriculture two weeks later.
Walters, a longstanding employee at GMC, said she was blindsided by the audit process, stating, “I wasn’t told. I heard it through the grapevine, I also haven’t seen any reports from any of the two audits”. She expressed frustration over a lack of communication from management. She emphasized that she was not formally notified about the audit and did not receive any written documentation implicating her in any wrongdoing.
Walters explained to Stabroek News that she only learned about the audit informally while on leave. She clarified that while she is still working with GMC, she has not performed any chicken-related duties since June. “I have presented all documents to the accounting department,” she stated, firmly denying any collusion with the accountant.
At the centre of the investigation are allegations that missing customer names on chicken sales receipts suggest possible collusion. Lall reported that the absence of customer information sparked concerns about transparency in transactions. However, Walters vehemently denies these allegations, stating, “The missing customer names were due to the company’s practice of selling chicken to various individuals, including church members and family members, for personal use. During the Christmas season, not everybody was willing or interested in providing their names.”
Adding to the turmoil, Walters revealed that she faced significant personal challenges during the period that the first audit was held, including a severe health crisis that required multiple blood transfusions. “I was pregnant, and I wasn’t aware that I was pregnant. I had a difficult pregnancy … I had to get four different blood transfusions because I could not have walked for two weeks,” she explained, highlighting how her medical condition impacted her ability to fulfill work responsibilities.
In an exclusive interview with Stabroek News, Lall had said that her decision to conduct the audit stemmed from observed irregularities. She alleged that Walters had neglected essential responsibilities, stating, “The SPM frequently failed to claim expenses, submit reports, and was often preoccupied with selling chicken.” Frustrated with the lack of cooperation, Lall eventually escalated her concerns to the Ministry of Agriculture, leading to the audit.
Lall said that Walters and the accountant have not been forthcoming with documentation to defend themselves, further complicating the situation. “We have come to the conclusion that the audit is somewhat accurate,” she said, adding that the SPM and the accountant kept calling in sick and producing medical excuses.
The Ministry of Agriculture has also weighed in, with Minister Zulfikar Mustapha stating that an investigation into irregularities at GMC has been initiated. In a press release published on the Ministry’s Facebook page on September 11,2024, the Ministry emphasized its commitment to transparency, urging the public to refrain from spreading unverified claims while investigations are underway.
Walters remains adamant in her denial of any wrongdoing and emphasized the need for a supportive work environment. “I want to move on from this current situation,” she stated, expressing a desire to focus on her work without the cloud of allegations hanging over her.
Meanwhile, the GMC and the Ministry are awaiting further instructions from the Auditor General on how to proceed with the investigation.
