Show your evidence – BK Group hits back at US-sanctioned LOO

BK Group of Companies has come out swinging at United States (US) sanctioned and indicted Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed following his recent visits to several Government-funded infrastructure sites, where he made allegations about the cost, awarding and execution of major projects, including the Versailles to Parika Four-Lane Highway.

The company said it was concerned by statements made by Mohamed regarding construction work on the Versailles to Parika Highway, a portion of which was awarded to BK International. According to the company, work on its portion of the project has not yet commenced, and there is no stockpile of materials for the project, contrary to what it said was asserted by Mohamed.

BK Group rejected any suggestion that it is a “fly-by-night” operation, pointing out that it has been in business since 1988 and has undertaken several major infrastructure projects in Guyana. Its portfolio, according to the company, includes construction works involving sea defences and roads, as well as commercial properties such as banks and schools. BK International further highlighted its experience with major projects funded through international agencies and financial institutions, including the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The company said these projects were rigorously supervised and managed by the respective international agencies and local experts. “Our company has been known to deliver projects on time and to the standards required in contract documents. We have never failed on any of our projects, whether foreign-funded or locally funded. The complexity of projects and the values attached to each project must be analysed differently based on the specifications of the project involved. Mr Mohamed seems to be opening his mouth in a manner that would indicate that all projects are the same and that the costing must therefore be the same costing and standard.”

The BK Group also turned the spotlight back on Mohamed, questioning whether he fully understands the procedures governing the award of Government contracts under the Procurement Act. The company argued that the procurement process is open and transparent, with information on contract awards publicly available and verifiable. It also pointed to the involvement of international funding agencies in several projects as further evidence of the scrutiny surrounding the procurement process. But BK Group did not stop there. Turning the focus to Mohamed’s own business dealings, the company challenged the US-sanctioned Opposition Leader to explain how he and his family business acquired more than 25 acres of land at Versailles which, according to the company, previously belonged to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). BK Group also questioned how Mohamed acquired road reserves to facilitate the construction of four large homes opposite Happy Acres in Le Ressouvenir, as well as how he came to acquire what the company described as thousands of acres of mining lands and related assets.

The company further questioned Mohamed’s ownership of several Black Raptor 4×4 vehicles, alleging that the vehicles were provided as duty-free concessions to another individual involved in the sand business. In a pointed counterattack, BK Group said Mohamed should account for these matters before levelling allegations of impropriety against contractors and the Government. The company added that Mohamed does not take into consideration the complexity of bridges, their dimensions and other specifications outlined in individual project contracts. Instead, it said, he appears to present the impression that Government-awarded projects are riddled with fraud and overpricing. BK Group urged Mohamed to adopt a more scientific and analytical approach when assessing such projects, including examining the technical data, specifications and contractual requirements before drawing conclusions about project costs and execution. The company also called on him to show greater respect for the President and Vice President (VP).

“He speaks blandly and opens his mouth full of garbage every time to accuse the Government and contractors of committing fraud on the nation when, in fact, from his early childhood, he has been tainted with fraud and has built an empire based on fraudulent conduct and corrupt practices. These are evident with the recent indictment by the US Government against this godly gentleman and his father. Imagine a corrupt individual under indictment accusing contractors and the Government, without any evidence of committing fraud with respect to the awarding of contracts.”

BK Group further raised a dispute involving BK Quarries, claiming that the company was “disenfranchised” after the Government transferred a quarry to the Mohamed family within a day. The company said the quarry had been owned and paid for by BK and that the matter is currently before the courts. The company also questioned Mohamed’s conduct and character, accusing him of attempting to deflect attention from his own alleged wrongdoing by accusing others of dishonesty. Despite the ongoing dispute, BK Group maintained that it has a proud track record of contributing to Guyana’s development over the years, regardless of which political party is in Government. The company suggested that Mohamed may be dissatisfied with contractors who are not politically aligned with his party, while arguing that a person’s character should be judged by their deeds and integrity rather than their public statements. BK Group said it reserves the right to continue responding to what it described as “malicious accusations” concerning the awarding of Government contracts to contractors, including BK International.

The company also issued a 14-day deadline to Mohamed, stating that if he does not withdraw what it described as erroneous statements against BK International within that period, it reserves the right to seek redress in the courts.