In an investigative documentary entitled ‘Guyana for Sale’ by Vice News which has been released on Showtime, massive allegations of corruption in the Jagdeo/Ali regime are alleged. In a key part of the documentary by world-renown journalist Isobel Yeung, Jagdeo’s tenant and confidante, Su Zhi Rong is seen by an undercover camera, escorting a Chinese businessman to the home of VP Jagdeo.
The video shows a meeting at the Pradoville 2 residence where a discussion ensues about plans to invest in Guyana. The Chinese businessman who posed as an investor made several requests and was told by Jagdeo’s tenant that he could get government support for his plans once bribes are paid.
At the meeting, the hidden camera records VP Jagdeo stating that the Chinese businessman is guaranteed government support and he also noted that ‘Su is my friend, he gets all the support’. VP Jagdeo further added: ‘Su deals with all the agreements, I don’t, I don’t…the thing is that I’m in government, so I assist from the government side, that’s it’.
The scenario presented in the video represents a classic case of a middleman operating on behalf of a high-ranking government official to guarantee access to a businessman who has paid a kickback upfront. The Vice News documentary presents the textbook definition of corruption as it is described by international organizations.
In the video, Su explains at length to the businessman how the deal will go down and what has to be done to ensure that there is smooth sailing for his operations here in Guyana. He informed the businessman that once the money is paid, it will be split with the boss.
The Vice News documentary is consistent with allegations of wanton corruption being made against the Jagdeo/Ali regime since August 2, 2020. The documentary is currently available on the streaming service of Showtime but will be made fully available on cable tonight.
More, In The Ring.
