Guyana Anti Corruption Network

The following account, pieced together from inside sources at the Region 6 RDC (Regional Democratic Council), paints a troubling picture of how a small group of individuals, referred to as “the squad,” have allegedly consolidated power and wealth. Their rise is built not on merit, but on personal, intimate relationships with powerful men, creating a closed loop of patronage that controls contracts and positions in Berbice. At the center of this web is a sitting government minister and former Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain, who are accused of using their positions to elevate their romantic interests and loyalists, rewarding them and their families with lucrative state contracts.

**The System: From Village Meetings to Ministerial Favor**

The story begins in the “clusters”—the small village meetings held before the election. It was in these humble settings that political alliances were forged, and for some, it was the first step on a path to sudden power and wealth. A simple attendance at one of these meetings could change a person’s life, provided they caught the right eye.

**The Key Players and Their Connections:**

– **The Power Brokers:**

    – **A Government Minister:** A central figure of authority whose personal relationships are alleged to be the primary currency for power and contracts in the region.

    – **Zamal Hussain:** The former Vice Chairman of Region 6. He operates as a key gatekeeper, using his influence to boost his associates and romantic partners.

– **The Inner Circle (“The Squad”):**

1. **Katherine Prasad:** A former “regular girl” who attended a cluster meeting. Her physical appearance caught the attention of a government minister. This relationship fast-tracked her political career, making her a Rose Hall Town Councilor from out of nowhere. She has since been given a position on the agricultural committee. But her ambitions are larger; the source alleges she is actively politicking, speaking with senior government officials and Zamal Hussain to secure the powerful DREO (Deputy Regional Executive Officer) position for Region 6.

    Her business, **Brandon Establishment Zone**, registered under her brother Brandon Prasad’s name, is a primary vehicle for her alleged enrichment. Through this company, she has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract (over 50 million) for a selected road in the Glasgow housing scheme. She also supplies medications under her brother’s name in Region 6. The source alleges this is all in exchange for “sexual favors.”

2. **Kameal (Last name TBD):** She works in the media and as a secretary for **Zamal Hussain**. Her relationships are a complex web of power and pleasure. She is alleged to be in a relationship with both her boss, **Zamal Hussain**, and a famous cricketer. As a direct result of her connection to Zamal, she is a beneficiary of the patronage system, receiving “selected works” and road contracts. 
3. **”Bebi Shafeah Oosman”:** The media person for Zamal Hussain and a key member of the squad. She is currently in a relationship with the Region 6 REO, **Navindra Persaud**. While she flirts with others in the power structure, her primary connection is to Persaud. Like others in the squad, she is also alleged to be receiving road contracts from Zamal because “they all move together.”

– **The Associates & Loyalists:**

    – **Ray Ali:** The Canje NDC Chairman. His story is a classic tale of patronage. He started as a camera guy for Zamal Hussain during the election campaign. Once Zamal secured his position, Ray Ali was rewarded, first with a position and now as the NDC chairman. He is a primary beneficiary of school construction and repair contracts, which are awarded to his company, **Ashiek and Son’s**. He is also allegedly receiving a contract for a concrete road. Ashiek and Son’s was recently granted rehabilitation contracts for 8 schools valued at approximately 63 million..

    – **Navindra Persaud:** The current Region 6 REO, who is in a relationship withBebi Shafeah Oosman.

    – **Brandon Prasad:** Katherine’s brother, who acts as the front for her business, “Brandon Establishment Zone,” and executes all her contracts.

**A Culture of Patronage and Secrecy:**

The source, a current employee at the Region 6 RDC, describes a work environment where a small group holds disproportionate power, and contracts are awarded based on personal connections rather than public need. Access to powerful figures like Zamal Hussain and the government minister is controlled by this inner circle, and those outside of it find it nearly impossible to get projects or assistance approved.

**Conclusion:**

This compiled information, from an insider at the Region 6 RDC, alleges a deeply entrenched system of cronyism and corruption. It claims that a government minister and former Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain are using their positions to enrich and empower a small circle of women with whom they are personally involved, as well as loyalists like Ray Ali who have graduated from campaign workers to contract holders. These women, in turn, are connected to other powerful figures like REO Navindra Persaud, creating a closed loop of influence and patronage. The core of the story is a plea from someone inside the system: “Let the corruption stop in Berbice. Let the Berbice people know.”