Guyana: Ali states Mohamed was aware of highway farm; claims size is under 75 acres

President Irfaan Ali stated on Thursday that Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed was aware of his farm located at Long Creek off the Linden-Soesdyke Highway. During a Facebook Live session, Dr. Ali emphasized that the existence of his farm is public knowledge. He remarked, “My farm is not a discovery. It is public information. Including the discoverer himself, he, himself, knows about the existence of my farm.” In response, Mr. Mohamed expressed to Demerara Waves Online News that the details of President Ali’s farm were new to him and to the public. He mentioned that he was only now learning that Dr. Ali had acquired approximately 20 acres of land while serving as Housing Minister.

Mr. Mohamed claimed he had no knowledge of the alleged 150-acre property and questioned Dr. Ali’s financial stability. President Ali countered that the size of his farm is less than half of what Mr. Mohamed claimed. He stated, “This man lied to the extent that he exaggerated the size of the farm, not even half, not even half of what he said the size of the farm is.” Dr. Ali acknowledged borrowing money to invest in the farm but did not dispute the GY$2.2 billion investment figure mentioned by Mr. Mohamed. He claimed to be generating significant profits from the farm, which includes advanced facilities for poultry, cattle, sheep, and goats.

Dr. Ali defended his financial practices, asserting that everything related to his farm is accounted for through legitimate means. He also noted that Mr. Mohamed and his father are currently involved in extradition proceedings related to federal charges in the United States. The Guyana government has revoked their licenses and closed their bank accounts following sanctions imposed by the American government. President Ali rejected allegations of abusing his political position for personal gain, stating, “Let me be very clear, I have not sought any special treatment, any benefit, any investment by the state.” He also mentioned that all conditions governing lease lands on the highway apply equally to his farm.

Dr. Ali criticized Mr. Mohamed for perceived hypocrisy regarding the financing of the farm. He indicated that he might release a text message from Mr. Mohamed, which he described as blackmail. Additionally, he mentioned receiving a recording allegedly from Charrandass Persaud, who was involved in a no-confidence motion against the People’s Progressive Party Civic administration in December 2018. Dr. Ali stated he had no knowledge of the content of the recording and denied any involvement in the criminal charges against Mr. Mohamed and his father.

Source: demerarawaves.com