In a recent episode of the “Starting Point” podcast, Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, addressed allegations of corruption and personal attacks against him and his family by the political opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed. He firmly characterized these claims as “baseless” and intended to tarnish his reputation.
Minister Mustapha emphasized his willingness to be scrutinized, stating that he is open to an investigation at any time. He underscored his commitment to transparency by highlighting that he consistently submits his annual income and a full list of his assets to the Integrity Commission. The Minister expressed confidence, stating he has “nothing to fear” as all his assets have been earned honestly throughout his lengthy career, which began in 1989.
During the podcast, he specifically addressed allegations regarding his real estate holdings. Mustapha provided proof of bank loans utilized for the construction of his properties, directly countering the narrative of illicit gain. He dismissed the allegations as being made by individuals he described as “small-minded”, focusing more on character assassination than factual evidence.
Instead of solely defending himself, the Minister suggested that those accusing him might have “things in the closet,” indicating that the accusers themselves could have accountability issues in the near future. He framed the attacks as a diversion from more pressing matters.
Despite the ongoing political skirmishes, Mustapha remains focused on his ambition of transforming Guyana into the “food basket of the Caribbean” within the next decade. He cited his extensive history of activism from advocating for basic school supplies in the late 1970s to leading a multi-billion dollar agricultural transformation today as a testament to his long-standing commitment to the country’s development.
