Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall said the government will defend its decision to allow Auditor General Deodat Sharma to remain in office.
Nandlall acknowledged that legal action has been threatened over Sharma’s continued occupation of the office. He said the government remains confident its position is legally sound. He said, “I understand that they have written and have threatened legal action. Whatever actions are filed will be defended.”
Nandlall made the statement at a sod‑turning ceremony for a new law school on the University of Guyana campus in Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.
Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran, through attorney Christopher Ram, has formally challenged Sharma’s continued tenure. Ram has asked the Attorney General to explain the constitutional and legal basis for Sharma remaining in office and whether any extension, reappointment or other authorisation was granted. He indicated that judicial review proceedings could be filed if the government does not provide a satisfactory explanation.
Public Accounts Committee Chairman Vishnu Panday said there appears to be no provision allowing Sharma to remain beyond the prescribed retirement age. He raised concerns about the additional cost to taxpayers. He also questioned what happened to the succession plan for the Auditor General’s Office.
Nandlall and Sharma have been identified as potential respondents.
On 2 September 2026 APNU MP Terrence Campbell questioned Sharma’s independence, called for his replacement, and alleged he had become “a little too close” to the PPP government. Campbell alleged that some matters may be overlooked or reports “tweaked” within the Auditor General’s office. He also questioned whether the Gas-to-Energy project has received adequate scrutiny.
Sharma reached the statutory retirement age of 68 in March 2026. The Deputy Auditor General is the wife of Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh.
