Dear Editor,
Reference is made to the SN article titled, “GHK Lall should answer these questions” penned by Susan Rodrigues (SN January 14, 2026). I make exception, respond.
First, I reject that I have repeated any allegations, unsubstantiated or otherwise, against Ms. Rodrigues. My writings have focused on (a) giving her the benefit of the doubt; and (b) the president’s acceptance of the minister’s explanations. I challenge Minister Susan Rodrigues to prove how and when I attacked her in any form in any forum. Unless, in her haste to defend more the president and less herself, she has awarded herself license to use “asset accumulation” (she has, hasn’t she?), or a “political solution to an alleged unethical condition” (the president did accept, didn’t he?) as the basis for her own attack on me, which is definitely a recycling of the smears and slanders that the PPP has peddled over the years. I completely reject Minister Rodrigues’ assertions that I have done her wrong in any form or fashion. What I did is question the president’s intervention and ruling on the minister’s matter(s). And that it is better for an independent body to probe and pronounce.
Second, re the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), respected auditors have reviewed the annual records of the GGB and their reports are available for scrutiny. There were no allegations, insinuations of “corruption and questionable practices.” Six other board members, including people close to the PPP leadership, and they condoned corruption then, have not said a word since. The fact is a PPP Gov’t witch hunt was instigated in the hope of turning up dirt, and having unearthed none, second guessed and distorted decisions to diminish someone who induces fear and dread in the government and its leaders.
Third, re the Travis Chase gold license award (“dubious company”), every procedure was followed, no exception was made, and the applicant fully qualified. All related records were shared with the venerable and respected Cameron and Shepherd law firm, which noted in its review that all standing procedures were followed, and that there was no breach or exception for this so-called “dubious company.” The files are there and the minister should know that, just like government’s hunting parties that were and still are bent on attaching anything to me to intimidate and weaken.
Fourth, a US Embassy official showed a file that had approx. 40 names in it around 2018. I repeat it didn’t have a single licensed gold dealer name in it. What former Minister Trotman likely had was a separate file provided by other US agencies that shared specifically names from the gold dealer community as early as 2016. I was not privy to those details, which I think was fair, so as not to give preset ideas against any in the dealer community.
Fifth, I have never been a “part owner of Demerara Waves News Talk Radio.” I am a small shareholder along with about half dozen others, including a PPP Gov’t expert. Regarding “substantial sum to acquire an ownership stake” I enlighten Minister Rodrigues and whoever is spurring her on, no such money was involved, no such wealth exists. It should be embarrassing to Minister Rodrigues that she has nothing left, but to resort to the defamations of Live in Guyana and other illustrious PPP Gov’t organs. Before Nandlall, Jagdeo, and Ali (and the world) I reassert what is known. I have one house, one car, one bank account here of originally 30 years vintage, and a couple of dogs. Perhaps, in their world, and that of Minister Rodrigues, those count as substantial wealth, unexplained wealth, and criminal wealth accumulation.
Sixth, there are documents that show that the GECOM records have been addressed and should have been.
Seventh, re to “Wall Street Analyst” there is certification to that effect, and something called a CRD (Central Registration Depositary) record formerly under the auspices of the NASD. I suggest that Minister Rodrigues acquaint herself accordingly.
Eight, it is revealing how desperate Minister Rodrigues is, that she even ventures in other media into allegations about Live in Guyana generated allegations of “pedophilia.” There is low, but Minister Rodrigues went lower. What else will the PPP Gov’t do to silence a citizen? Previous public sharing of the reaction of the Police’s cybercrime unit should reinforce how criminal the PPP Gov’t is, how far it will go to blast a conscientious citizen. Conclusion, Minister Susan Rodrigues rightly calls herself a devout Roman Catholic. I can claim practicing Catholic only. Yet, it is appalling that someone so devout could baptize herself in the scurrilous and venomous. Minister Rodrigues pretended at defending herself. She wasn’t. She has joined the pack, through renewed efforts to distort and damage. No hard feelings, Minister Rodrigues. Only utter disgust at the despicable mantle that she now wears.