I feel compelled to address a series of malicious, false, and defamatory statements made by Mr. Junior Baksh that have recently circulated in the public domain.
Let me be clear: the allegations against me are entirely false, baseless, and designed solely to damage my personal and professional reputation.
Mr. Baksh and I were friends for over 25 years. During that time, he provided loans to support my mining operations. I borrowed a principal sum of GYD $799,048,100 and have since repaid GYD $1,696,000,000, which is more than double the amount borrowed.
Now, Mr. Baksh claims that I owe him an additional GYD $460,000,000. This demand is based on a unilateral and unjustified increase in the interest rate from 5% to an exorbitant 10% compound interest, which I never agreed to. I stopped making further payments because I found his demands excessive and exploitative. It is no coincidence that shortly after I ceased payments, he began making wild, defamatory, and politically charged accusations.
I categorically deny the allegations of engaging in improper dealings with government officials, including His Excellency, the President, and that I act as an agent for government contracts or corrupt payments. These claims appear to be part of a calculated campaign to damage my reputation and that of high-ranking public officials.
I have never been promised or received any government contract outside of proper channels. I participate in public procurement through the same open, competitive bidding process as anyone else. I have never paid any form of kickback, commission, or drawback to any government official or their relatives.
Currently, there is an active legal matter before the court regarding Mr. Baksh’s financial claims. This dispute is being addressed through the proper judicial process, and I am committed to allowing the court to determine the facts. I want to make it explicitly clear that neither I nor anyone acting on my behalf has ever made any threats—directly or indirectly—toward Mr. Baksh.
Mr. Baksh has continued to act with hostility, seemingly driven by the funds he alleges are owed, despite my having repaid more than twice the principal sum. I find it particularly concerning that Mr. Azruddin Mohammed personally contacted me regarding the alleged outstanding amount, attempting to draw a connection between this private financial dispute and broader political implications.
Mr. Baksh’s public statements, made while this matter is before the court, are reckless and defamatory. I have instructed my legal team to pursue all necessary legal actions for defamation and libel.
I remain committed to conducting all my affairs—both personal and professional—with integrity, transparency, and in full compliance with the law. I will not allow someone acting with malicious intent and using falsehoods to destroy my reputation or mislead the public.
Foreign Affairs Minister Summons Venezuelan Ambassador Over Businessmen’s Embassy Visits
