The Ministry of Finance’s Main Street, Georgetown office was over the weekend broken into during which documents, data-saving devices and personal items were stolen and its Junior Minister, Jaipaul Sharma has since cited the need for tightened security at the premises.
Sharma last evening confirmed the break-in with Stabroek News but declined to provide details, noting that it’s an ongoing police investigation.
Staff at the ministry told this newspaper that the break-in seemed to have occurred sometime on Friday night as when Saturday employees turned up for work they realised that documents and data- saving devices were missing and they immediately alerted their superiors who in turn called the police.
Sharma said there is definitely a need for tighter security at the Ministry. He said this is even more important since this is the Budget period and staff are working 24/7.
He said that it is his understanding that the contracted security firm failed to report the matter after it occurred. “I don’t know what was their excuse was but we definitely need to get tighter security at all times”, Sharma said.
He said a meeting will be set up with the security service to determine why no action was taken.
“I am sure they (security) must have heard some strange noise but they did not report the matter”, he noted.
“There is a lapse at the level of security. Maybe the security company will say it’s a lapse on our side in terms of securing the building before persons depart and so these are the things we have to look into”, Sharma added.
Divisional Commander Marlon Chapman when contacted yesterday referred this newspaper to Assistant Superintendent and lead investigator into the matter. Wright was at the scene on Saturday following the report and said that fingerprints were taken along with other evidence.
Investigations are ongoing.
