The Guyana Anti-Corruption Network has obtained a copy of the Official Gazette dated January 8, 2026, which reportedly indicates that Javed Mustapha, son of Zulfikar Mustapha, was granted an exemption from the Mining Act of 1989 by Vickram Bharrat.
The document states: “The following persons shall be exempt from the application procedures mentioned in the Mining Act 1989 and Regulations made thereunder for the issuance of Prospecting Medium Scale (PPMS) over the areas listed in the attached Schedule A.”
According to the Legal Supplement, lands totaling approximately 1,160 acres were subsequently granted to Javed Mustapha under a “Special Process – Closed Area Application” on December 24, 2025, under File Reference #M-1193/000-001.
These developments raise significant public interest concerns in Guyana, particularly in light of longstanding national issues relating to unreported gold declarations, money laundering, and gold smuggling within the mining sector. The circumstances of the exemption and allocation process may also give rise to perceptions of nepotism, favouritism, potential conflicts of interest, and the improper use of insider access or influence.
We call on all political parties, civil society organizations, private sector bodies, and local stakeholders to closely examine this matter. We also urge foreign embassies, international partners, multilateral agencies, and global transparency watchdogs to pay careful attention to how Guyana’s natural resources are being allocated. The farming out of valuable lands and mining rights to politically connected individuals, particularly under special or closed processes, risks undermining public trust if not accompanied by clear accountability, competitive procedures, and full transparency.
While no conclusions have been reached, the nature of the exemption and the familial relationship involved underscore the need for independent oversight and public disclosure. The Guyana Anti-Corruption Network is currently undertaking further investigations into this matter and will provide additional information as it becomes available.
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