Granger issues stern warning to race-baiters …says offenders will face full brunt of the law
President David Granger
President David Granger

President David Granger said his administration will not go soft on peddlers of racial hatred and division, declaring that the laws will be robustly enforced against them.The President made the announcement on Thursday at the opening of the social cohesion round-table discussion at the Arthur Chung International Conference Centre. “We will enforce the existing laws against racism more vigorously and vigilantly guard against bad elements who foment social and racial strife,” President Granger said as he outlined government’s plans to build a united Guyana.
A criminal charge has been filed against former President Bharrat Jagdeo for comments he made during a political rally at Babu Jaan, Region 6, during the recently concluded General and Regional Elections.
The former President at that rally had said“… but they consistently, they shout about racism of the PPP, but they practise racism. They whisper campaigns. In the last elections they went to some of the Afro- Guyanese villages and beat some drums at 6 o’clock in the morning and say let us throw out these coolie people. Get up, go out and vote, throw out the coolie people. That’s the kind of language they use. Anybody from our party who uses that sort of language, we will kick them out. This is our approach.”
The private criminal charge was filed by Attorney-at-Law and prominent Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram. Jagdeo was forced to make an appearance at the Whim Magistrate’s Court where the charge of was read to him by Magistrate Charlyn Artiga. The former President has contended that the charge against him is politically-motivated and has since moved through his Attorneys-at-Law to challenge it in the High Court.
No show
Meanwhile, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was a no-show at the opening of the social cohesion round-table discussion at the Arthur Chung International Conference Centre. The PPP/C had described the round-table as a “merely window dressing” and said it would not participate since many of its supporters or persons perceived to be its supporters have been dismissed since the new government assumed office.
The PPP/C has called the situation a witch-hunt, but President David Granger yesterday said that is not so, as there are valid reason for all the dismissals. The dismissals are reportedly linked to the disappearance of funds and other malpractices.
Meanwhile, the international community has commended the round-table discussion with British High Commissioner to Guyana Greg Quinn expressing high optimism that it will be a success, though not overnight. He said for Guyana to develop and prosper, social cohesion is necessary, and the round-table discussion is a step in the right direction.

 

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