FORMER President Mr Bharrat Jagdeo appeared Monday before Whim Magistrate Ms Charlyn Artiga to answer a private criminal charge which alleges that on March 8, 2015, he had, at a public meeting held at Babu John, Corentyne, uttered statements to the public at large which can result in racial or ethnic hatred among the people.

Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram has filed a private criminal charge against Dr Jagdeo which alleges that he had uttered certain racially divisive remarks at the Babu Jaan meeting, contrary to Section 139 [D] [1] [a] of the Representation of the People Act.

Dr Jagdeo is alleged to have said that the opposition consistently accuse the PPP of racism, but they practise racism; and that on the day of the 2011 National and Regional Elections, the opposition had beat drums at six in the morning and said “let we throw these coolie people out”.

If found guilty as charged, Dr Jagdeo could be fined Gy$100,000 and be jailed for two years.
Further, any person found guilty as charged under the Representation of the People Act would be barred from being a member of the National Assembly, local democratic organ, or be the holder of any constitutional or statutory office.

When the matter was initially called at the commencement of the court session at 09:00hrs, Dr Jagdeo was not present, and Senior Counsel Mr. Bernard DeSantos made a successful bid to have the matter ‘stood down’, as his client was caught at the Berbice River Bridge which was closed.

Dr Jagdeo arrived at 11:30hrs and was greeted by scores of supporters armed with placards, who vented their anger at the charges laid against the former Head of State.
In the courtroom, Dr Jagdeo was represented by the former Attorney General Mr Anil Nandlall, among others. He was not required to plead to the charge as he stood in the dock, and was sent on his own recognizance.

However, Magistrate Charlyn Artiga stipulated that Dr Jagdeo should not leave the jurisdiction without first securing permission from the court.

The Preliminary Inquiry into this case is expected to commence on June 22.