GEORGETOWN, Guyana--The Government of Guyana says it’s looking into reports that the man it appointed as the country’s Ambassador to Kuwait was actually convicted of fraud in the United States (US) more than a decade ago.
A report in local newspaper Kaieteur News indicated that Dr. Shamir Ally was convicted on March 4, 2003 in a United States District Court, for the dissemination of false financial information by Acrodyne Communications, Inc. in press releases and US Securities and Exchange Commission filings in 1998, 1999 and 2000. It said he was charged jointly with two others and fined US $10,000.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Williams said the Government is checking that claim.
“We are investigating and trying to establish the veracity in determining the seriousness of the conviction,” he said, adding that a report would be given to Cabinet once the investigation is complete.
Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday, Cabinet Secretary and Minister of State Joseph Harmon also said that authorities would “take the appropriate steps as they consider the importance of that matter.”
“We will ask the person to provide us with information,” he added. “The person will be given an opportunity to provide an answer [and – Ed.] explanations to the Ministry as to what that situation is.”
Dr. Ally has also served on several boards and bodies in Guyana. He was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Office for Investment earlier this year. ~ Caribbean360 ~
