The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) says it is “deeply concerned” by the revelations surrounding President Irfaan Ali’s ownership of a 150-acre ranch and calls for the immediate establishment of an independent Commission of Inquiry (CoI).
This commission, the union said, must determine how the property was acquired, the extent of the State’s involvement in its development, and whether the office of the Presidency has, directly or indirectly, conferred benefits that facilitated its establishment or expansion.
“This inquiry cannot be directed by the Executive or populated by individuals whose independence may reasonably be questioned. It must be empowered to summon witnesses, examine public records, receive expert testimony, and hear evidence from independent stakeholders so that the Guyanese people can have confidence in its findings,” the GTUC, in a statement, said.
It added that the Commission should examine the use of public resources, the role of State agencies, tax obligations, concessions, regulatory approvals, and any other advantages that may have accrued through the holding of public office.
“It should also consider whether the responsibilities of the Presidency—which already carry a substantial salary, official benefits, pension, security, transportation, and staff funded by taxpayers—are compatible with the ownership and management of private commercial interests of this scale while serving as Head of State,” the body noted.
The GTUC is also calling for the immediate withdrawal of the 2026 Former Presidents’ Benefits Bill.
“The proposed legislation seeks to remove existing limits on benefits afforded to former Presidents while exposing taxpayers to potentially unlimited financial obligations associated with post-presidential lifestyles. Such legislation is particularly offensive at a time when many working families continue to struggle with the high cost of living despite Guyana’s unprecedented economic growth,” the GTUC noted.
It added that attempts to dismiss legitimate public concerns by claiming that the President has always been a farmer or has a passion for agriculture are unconvincing.
“Those assertions do not answer the questions raised by the reported scale of the property, the circumstances surrounding its development, or the need for full public disclosure. Rhetoric must not shroud the necessity for accountability in public office.”
