DPP returns files in $600M Public Service Ministry fraud

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) on Wednesday returned to the police, the file pertaining to the investigations into the more than $600 million fraud that was uncovered at the Ministry of Public Service, following the change in government earlier this year.

iNews was reliably informed on Thursday that the file was returned to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum.

 However, iNews was unable to confirm whether the DPP had recommended criminal or other charges against former Minister Dr. Jenifer Westford and her Personnel Manager Margret Cummings.

It is also not clear if the DPP has requested additional information.

In the past, files pertaining to high profile matters that were sent to the DPP’s Chambers were returned for clarification and additional information before charges were recommended.

Meanwhile, iNews was also able to confirm that there are a total of 25 files pertaining to this matter.

During audits at the Ministry of Public Service, which Westford once headed under the PPP Administration, it was found that she received several million dollars from the then Office of the President which were to be used for the conducting of a review of the services offered by the Public Sector.

Those huge sums which were signed off by then Permanent Secretary of the Office of the President Omar Sharif were reportedly never used for the intended purpose.

The same former Minister and her Personnel Manager are presently before the Court; charged with illegally transferring several state owned vehicle to themselves and associates.

Recently, lawyers for Westford applied for a stay of execution in that mater for which she is on bail.