PNCR calls for probe of alleged corruption acts at MMA/ADA in Region Five

The Opposition People’s National Congress Reform, today called on the Ministry of Agriculture to launch a probe and call in the Police to investigate an alleged corruption and cover up scheme involving millions of dollars at the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary – Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA).

The PNC/R through its Member of Parliament with responsibility for the Agriculture sector, Vinceroy Jordan said the party has been informed of a corruption scheme at the authority in Region #5 involving a number of staff members and contractors.

It was explained the scheme involves contractors overvaluing works to be done at the agency and providing kickbacks to the staffers, once they land the contracts.

“The PNCR/APNU Coalition calls on the Minister of Agriculture to immediately call in the Police and to launch an investigation into the alleged conspiracy and theft of monies at the MMA/ADA. The Coalition also reminds the Minister of the investigation into the destruction of thousands of duck eggs which was deemed as sabotage to the Ministry of Agriculture Livestock Development Authority that has either not yet been completed or he has refused to make it public,” the statement from the Opposition Parliamentarian noted.

Last month, an additional $60M was approved by the National Assembly for the Authority. This is in addition to the $240M it received from the 2024 budget.

“Sources of the Ministry revealed that the possible cover-up is likely since nothing has been done since the revelation of the misappropriations and fear that the same measure would be extended to the Senior Officers and other staff involved as was extended to a known Supervisor just over a year back who misappropriated millions of dollars in payments to a ghost security guard (machine watchman) and remained on the job with no investigation to date,” the party said.

The party also wants the Agriculture Ministry to investigate alleged land-grabbing and misuse of the machinery, fuel, staff, and other malpractices that are ongoing at the agency.