Jagdeo, Luncheon arrested in Pradoville 2 probe
-Robert Persaud to also be charged.
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo and former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon were this afternoon arrested in connection with the Pradoville 2 probe.
Earlier, Lisaveta Ramotar had been detained by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in connection with the ongoing probe into the Pradoville 2 housing scheme. Ramotar, the daughter of former President Donald Ramotar, has been taken to the SOCU office.
SOCU officials and Police later went to the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo. There they arrested Dr Luncheon. He was then taken to the SOCU office. Jagdeo later went to the SOCU office on Camp Road along with Nandlall. He was placed under arrest at the SOCU office.
SOCU sources say charges will be laid against the three plus former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud among others.
The special investigation of the Sparendaam Housing Project, better known as Pradoville 2, which was part of a larger probe of the financial operations of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), was conducted by accounting firm Ram & McRae, which found that awardees grossly underpaid for the lots by a total of nearly $250 million, while the state-owned National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), National Communications Network (NCN) and Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) were never reimbursed for millions spent to execute preparatory works.
“Our examination leads to the conclusion that the project was done outside of the established procedures and that Minister Ally [sic] piloted every aspect of the transaction without recourse to the Authority. While the minister has considerable powers under the Housing Act, his role in the issue of titles was well outside of his functions and powers,” the report, seen by this newspaper, said.
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo (left) at his office on Church Street shortly before he left for the SOCU office where he was placed under arrest.
Former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon on his way to the SOCU headquarters. Attorney Anil Nandlall is at right. (Keno George photo)