Former Guyanese Finance Minister Jordan charged with misconduct in public office.
On March 31, 2025, former Guyanese Finance Minister Winston Jordan was charged with misconduct in public office. The charge alleges that between February 25 and June 11, 2020, Jordan willfully misconducted himself by recklessly signing a vesting order for over five acres of land at Lot PSS Plantation Beterverwagting and Sparendaam. This land, valued at $150 million, was allegedly sold for just $2.425 million, significantly below its assessed worth.
The charge further states that his actions amounted to an abuse of public trust without reasonable cause or justification. As the charge is indictable, he was not required to enter a plea. The Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) prosecutor did not object to bail but requested that it be set at a substantial amount. Jordan was granted bail in the sum of $150,000, and the matter was adjourned to April 23.
Jordan’s legal team, comprising attorneys Dawn Holder-Cush and Dexter Forde, argued that their client is not a flight risk, noting that he has consistently attended court for other matters. They contended that the case is politically motivated, pointing out that it was previously brought before Magistrate Leron Daly and discharged. Additionally, they highlighted that Chief Justice Roxane George also dealt with the matter and dismissed it. Holder-Cush stated, “This is a clear waste of judicial time,” while Forde asserted, “It is obvious that this case is politically driven. He continues to be prosecuted, as is anyone who opposes the government.”
This is not the first time Jordan has faced legal challenges. In December 2021, he was arrested by SOCU over alleged misconduct in public office related to the sale and vesting of the State’s largest wharf facilities located at Kingston, Georgetown, valued at approximately $8 billion, which was sold for a mere $110 million. The company had only paid 10 percent of the purchase price, and Jordan, as then Finance Minister, went ahead to issue a vesting order passing the title to the purchaser without the payment of any further sum of monies.
During his time at SOCU in December 2021, Jordan was escorted to the Sparendaam Police Station for further questioning but complained of feeling unwell and was rushed to the Plaisance Health Centre. Initial examination by health workers revealed that his blood pressure was high. Following intervention by his lawyers, Jordan was subsequently released from custody and taken to a private medical institution in the city for further treatment. According to reports, the former Minister had suffered a suspected cerebrovascular accident, commonly called a stroke, and was kept overnight for observation.
In May 2024, Jordan filed an action seeking damages in excess of $300,000,000 against the police and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), whom he said had maliciously charged and prosecuted him. He contended that the criminal charge was intentionally and wrongfully instituted against him and that he was wrongfully pursued by the prosecution, which sought an order that a warrant be issued for him. Jordan also sought damages for false imprisonment and wrongful detention, stating that his personal and professional reputation and standing have been irreparably and severely damaged by the intentional and wrongful institution of these malicious proceedings.
The recurrence of these charges against Jordan has sparked debates about the nature and motivations behind these legal actions. His legal team maintains that these charges are politically motivated, aiming to tarnish his reputation and that of the previous administration. They argue that Jordan’s actions were in line with decisions made collectively by the Cabinet and that he did not act unilaterally in these transactions. Furthermore, they highlight that similar cases against officials from the current administration have been dismissed, suggesting a potential bias in the legal proceedings.
On the other hand, SOCU and other governmental bodies assert that these charges are based on substantial evidence pointing towards misconduct and abuse of public trust. They emphasize the significant discrepancies between the assessed values of the properties and the amounts for which they were sold, indicating potential financial mismanagement and corruption. The government maintains that these legal actions are part of broader efforts to promote accountability and transparency in public office, ensuring that public assets are managed in the best interest of the nation.
The outcome of these legal proceedings carries significant implications for Guyana’s political and legal landscape. If Jordan is found guilty, it could lead to increased scrutiny of past governmental transactions and potentially more legal actions against other officials from the previous administration. Such a development could also influence public perception of the APNU/AFC coalition, affecting their political capital and future electoral prospects.
Conversely, if Jordan is acquitted, it could reinforce claims of political persecution and misuse of legal systems for partisan purposes. This could lead to a loss of credibility for current governmental bodies and raise concerns about the impartiality of investigative agencies like SOCU. Such an outcome might also embolden opposition parties and their supporters, potentially leading to increased political tensions and instability.
The broader public reaction to these events has been mixed. Some citizens express support for the legal actions, viewing them as necessary steps towards rooting out corruption and promoting good governance. They argue that holding public officials accountable for their actions is crucial for the nation’s development and international reputation.
Others perceive these actions as politically motivated, aiming to discredit opposition figures and consolidate power. They express concerns about the selective application of justice and the potential erosion of democratic principles. This divide in public opinion reflects deeper political and social cleavages within Guyanese society, underscoring the need for transparent and impartial legal processes.
In conclusion, the charges against former Finance Minister Winston Jordan highlight the complex interplay between law, politics, and public perception in Guyana. As the legal proceedings unfold, they will not only
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