Auditor General recommends criminal probe of Guyoil fuel controversy

-finds ‘inappropriate communication’ between officials, dealer

The Auditor General’s probe of the allegations of procurement irregularities at the state-owned Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) has found that there was “inappropriate communication” by officials of Guyoil and a dealer who alleged he was assured a contract and has recommended that the police determine if any laws were broken.

As per the recommendation of the Auditor General, Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh has directed Guyoil’s Board to share the report with the Guyana Police Force.

“The Auditor General reported that on the question on if any laws were broken or whether there might be any legal culpability, that would have to be determined by the police,” Singh told the Stabroek News when asked for an update on the probe.

“I have shared a copy of the report with the Board and instructed them to share it with the police for whatever action the police might deem appropriate,” he added.

He said that the detailed report also confirmed the stance of the company and Board that the allegations by the dealer, Jayson Aaron and his company, Aaron Royality Inc — that it had a contract with Guyoil — were untrue.

“The AG confirmed that there was nor is no contract with the company in question…,” Singh stated.

But the Auditor General, according to Singh, identified officials of Guyoil that had “engaged in inappropriate communication with

the company in question and displayed action in violation of the Guyoil’s standards and procedures for procuring fuel and recommended that disciplinary action be taken against them.”

The Finance Minister did not name those persons recommended for disciplinary action but pointed out that those persons have already faced those actions.

Other recommendations by the Auditor General was for a strengthening of the company’s systems.

Following the allegations of procurement irregularities, Singh had invited Auditor General Deodat Sharma to investigate and sounded a warning that corruption will not be tolerated.

Aaron claimed that his company had been left with a large quantity of fuel on hand after a commitment to purchase was made by Guyoil officials. He also claimed that he had evidence of the commitments by officials of the company who also tried to solicit kickbacks.

Aaron also released audio recordings and images of WhatsApp conversations he claimed to have had with officials.

Guyoil’s Board has always maintained that while Aaron’s company was one of several companies it had been in discussions with, it had not contracted the company to supply fuel.

Late last month, Aaron was arrested and questioned for allegedly falsifying the series of WhatsApp messages he released. He has since been released on $100,000 bail and that matter is pending.

Additionally, a vessel which was said to be carrying the company’s fuel for the Guyoil contract is reportedly in the custody of the GDF Coast Guard. The vessel reportedly loaded the fuel in Venezuela.

At Guyoil, Chief Finance Officer Shawn Persaud and board member, Akanni Blair were removed from their positions as the duo were found to have had “inappropriate” contact with the importer in question. That was announced by President Irfaan Ali during a press conference.