Alarmed by recent reports that President Irfaan Ali owns a massive farm at Long Creek on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, Transparency International Guyana (TI Guyana) is calling for a fair and impartial investigation to be conducted immediately into the President and his multi-billion-farm facility.

Over the weekend, the Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed accused the President of owning a 150-acre ranch and farm valued at more than $5 billion. The state-of-the art facility includes large cattle rearing and sheep rearing areas, and farmlands as well as lodges and living facilities.

President Ali, while not denying that he owns the massive facility, said that the project was funded through loans from the commercial banks.

But Transparency International, which is an anti-corruption watchdog group, said the revelations raise serious questions about conflicts of interest, misuse of public resources, and violations of the Public Integrity Act.

“The allegations surrounding the Long Creek facility risk further eroding global confidence in Guyana’s governance and investment climate. If left unaddressed, these matters will have long-term negative consequences for the nation’s reputation as a stable, transparent, and attractive investment destination,” Transparency International Guyana said.

It therefore wants a thorough investigation that addresses several critical issues such as the issues of conflict of interest, the use of state resources and personal enrichment, compliance with the Public Integrity Act, and the abuse of state privileges.

It said the investigation should determine whether the President’s ownership of the Long Creek farm creates a conflict with official duties, and further establish whether the ownership was disclosed in accordance with applicable laws and public sector transparency standards.

Additionally, Transparency International Guyana wants the investigators to determine whether there was any use of state property, personnel, funds, or privileges that may have benefited the farm or the President personally, and provide examples if any, of instances where state resources were diverted for private gain.

Importantly, it said an assessment must be done to determine whether actions related to the farm violated the Public Integrity Act or other relevant statutes and codes of conduct.

It is also calling for any evidence of preferential treatment, regulatory leniency, or other advantages afforded to the farm because of the President’s position to be examined.

To ensure impartiality and to remove any perception of bias, TI Guyana invites Transparency International member chapters and independent experts from other jurisdictions to lead and conduct the investigation. The local watchdog said it will serve strictly in a consultative and facilitative capacity, providing local context and logistical support while ceding investigative independence to external experts.

It said the Government must address the allegations with alacrity, warning that continued obfuscation or any attempt to gaslight the public will only deepen domestic mistrust and further damage Guyana’s international standing.

“The evidence published to date is serious and demands full, transparent scrutiny,” it maintained.

The local watchdog said it remains committed to the orderly, transparent, and structured development of Guyana; the rule of law, public accountability, and equal application of ethics standards for all public officials.

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