Foreign Ministry probing conviction against Ambassador to Kuwait
By Ravin Singh
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wednesday said it was probing reports that the country’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr Shamir Ally, is a convicted felon. “I have seen one of the publications and we are investigating and trying to establish the veracity in determining the seriousness of the conviction,” Carl Greenidge, Minister of Foreign Affairs told reporters. He said that that when the investigation is completed, a report would be made to Cabinet.
The Kaieteur News has reported that Ally was convicted on March 4, 2003 by United States District Court Judge, Michael M. Baylson, for dissemination of false financial information by Acrodyne Communications, Inc. (“Acrodyne”) in press releases and Commission filings in 1998, 1999 and 2000.
The newspaper went on to claim that the diplomat was charged jointly with two others and was fined US$10,000.
“The Securities Exchange Commission alleged that Mancuso (Acrodyne’s former CEO and president), Lanchoney (Acrodyne’s former Chief Financial Officer), and Ally (Acrodyne’s former controller) were aware of numerous and significant problems with Acrodyne’s accounting controls, but failed to assure that Acrodyne’s financial transactions were accurately recorded.
The Commission claimed that, as a result of the actions of Mancuso, Lanchoney and Ally, Acrodyne engaged in inaccurate and improper cost accounting and revenue recognition” Kaieteur news reported.
It was also alleged that the ambassador, “directed that unsupported journal entries be made to the cost of sales and inventory accounts to bring Acrodyne’s financial statements in line with the gross margin percentage he had estimated for the period. The Commission claimed that Mancuso approved these fraudulent adjustments for the first quarter of 2000.”
Minister Greenidge told the media that “due diligence was exercised” during the period leading up to Ally’s appointment.
He noted though that sometimes, due to the size and complexity of the United States, where Dr. Ally lived, it is difficult to get answers upon request.
“… something may happen in one part [of the US] and you can’t approach the US and get answers. You have to go to the right courts and the right states,” he said.
Further Minister Greenidge pointed out that Dr. Ali has also served on a number of boards and bodies in Guyana ov2er the years. Earlier this year, the diplomat was made Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest).
Despite this however, the Minister expressed his belief that the pool of ambassadors was the “best set” that the country could have put together for the work they are required to do.
“I think we have, with experience and qualifications – the best set of ambassadors that you could put together for the work they are required to undertake.
“Compared with the teams we’ve had over the years, they are very well placed to undertake the goals that we set out.”