Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues has denied allegations made by local businessman Azruddin Mohamed, describing them as an attempt to discredit her reputation and deflect attention from his own criminality and pending extradition.
In a statement released on the Ministry’s Facebook page, Rodrigues emphasized that all her assets, both locally and abroad, have been declared to the Integrity Commission and can be fully accounted for. She noted that as a Politically Exposed Person, every financial transaction she undertakes requires proof of funds, making it impossible to deposit or transfer money without documentary evidence.
Rodrigues dismissed Mohamed’s claims that her properties were acquired through corruption, calling them “libelous and false.” Addressing specific allegations about multiple properties in Florida, she clarified that one address belongs to a realtor, another to Guyana’s Honorary Consul, and the third is a property owned by a company in which she holds shares. She further explained that the Lauderhill property was purchased through a mortgage and is serviced by rental income.
The Minister also addressed questions about properties at Peter’s Hall and Herstelling, presenting certificates of title. The Peter’s Hall properties, located in a private development, Rodrigues said, were acquired through mortgages, while the Herstelling property is owned by her partner.
Rodrigues denied owning a Georgetown gas station, explaining that it has been operated by Shell Antilles and Guianas Limited since 1962, with her partner managing operations but not owning the assets.
The Minister stated that, in addition to her public service salary, she receives rental income from other properties and proceeds from her family’s businesses.
According to Rodrigues, Mohamed has engaged in a “pattern of lies” aimed at causing public confusion while attempting to distract from his own criminality.
Meanwhile, the opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has called for Rodrigues to resign from office, arguing that the allegations have compromised public trust and demand accountability at the highest level.