A 53-year-old construction worker from Georgetown has been charged with fraud after allegedly impersonating the father of Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, in a scheme to solicit funds from unsuspecting individuals.
Police identified the accused as Gavin Rodrigues of Lot 15 Robb Street, Bourda. According to investigators, Rodrigues posed as the minister’s father and approached several people, requesting money under false pretenses. The alleged scam came to light following complaints from members of the public, prompting a swift investigation by law enforcement.
Rodrigues was arrested on Friday, April 11, and subsequently charged with obtaining money by false pretense. He appeared before Magistrate Ravindranauth Singh at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was formally read. Rodrigues entered a not guilty plea and was granted bail in the sum of $50,000.
The case has been adjourned to June 23, 2025, as police continue their investigation. Authorities are urging anyone who may have been approached or defrauded in this manner to come forward and assist with the ongoing probe.
The incident has raised concerns about the prevalence of impersonation scams targeting public officials and their families. The Ministry of Housing and Water has since reminded the public to remain vigilant and to verify the identity of anyone soliciting funds on behalf of government officials.
