Former Minister of Tourism Irfaan Ali is clearing his name in the over $1M ‘free fuel’ scam involving unnamed former government officials, their families and friends.

On Wednesday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon disclosed that the Ministry Tourism along with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Home affairs were under the radar of the new government and are currently under investigation as the probe into the fuel scam and abuse of the government credit system at the Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil) widens.

But Ali is not taking the naming of his former Ministry in these matters lightly and claims that although he had full responsibility for the Tourism Ministry, almost all the fuel used in the execution of his duties was covered by the Ministry of Housing.

Ali told the media on Thursday morning that absolutely “No” private vehicles were ever used by him as Minister with responsibility for the Tourism sector.

“I have not or did not use any vehicle belonging to the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce more than five times in my entire tenure. Secondly, no additional official vehicle was assigned to me as Minister of Tourism,” he added.

Ali also claimed that he received no additional emoluments as a result of holding responsibility for this additional Ministry. He wants the Minister of State to release the names and vehicle numbers he is alluding to.

“What I can say conclusively is that my tenure has brought the Ministry savings in many areas, some of which are highlighted in the Auditor General report. I have a proud record as Minister of Tourism. I took on this additional responsibility without any additional personal benefit financial and otherwise,” Ali said.

But even in the Face of Ali’s contention, Harmon disclosed that the new government has confirmed, with the help of GuyOil that several non- government vehicles received free fuel from GuyOil under the previous administration and in the first weeks of the new government.

When contacted by News Source, Permanent Secretary of the Natural Resources Ministry hinted that his Ministry may have been named wrongfully but insisted that clarification be sought from the government.

Harmon said the APNU+AFC government was looking to recover in excess of $1million which was given out in fuel by the state-owned GuyOil.

He explained that the three Ministries were selected based on information the government received from GuyOil. He said a series of “conflict of interest” matters were identified a part from the former government personnel drawing state fuel without paying.

Harmon noted that Guyoil has been submitting invoices for payments and the various Ministries have already been informed of what they should be looking for.

According to Minister of State, the facility was being abused by the former government during its time in office and some former officials and their relatives were still abusing it and as such a decision was made to ensure they are no longer able to access the facility.

He said the government will ensure that those from the former administration who accessed the facility along with the family members and friends will pay for the fuel they would have collected.

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