WHEN press secretary Kwame McCoy was allegedly caught soliciting a young man for sex his case made headline news. The Opposition, in association with its malicious media, were out in full force condemning him of a crime that to this day they cannot prove. The US Embassy without any firm evidence, trial or conviction, hastily revoked his visa thereby prohibiting him from such privileges as travelling to the USA among other things. Clearly, this was a move meant to embarrass McCoy and the PPP/C Government, based solely on Opposition information and directives.

Well, they will be called again to make that “moral” decision as the Trotman matter of alleged sexual abuse comes before them. This writer is calling on the US Embassy to do likewise and revoke his visa. I know what their answer will be, that is, wait for a trial and conviction or, say the politically correct thing such as “the US Embassy deals with matters the way they see fit and not to bow to public  pressure.” Well, I’d be damned if this is their stance because it would be a major shift in their approach to such matters. Previous approach shows a totally different US Embassy, they were swift to execute judgement by way of a revocation. Their move was a blatant display of partisan involvement in the domestic affairs of a sovereign state. To sum it up their action lacked diplomatic finesse.
Now, I make this bold call based on the following argument. In McCoy’s case there was some bit of questionable evidence by way of telephone records of him having sexual conversations with one Julius. The lad in question was 17 years at the time of McCoy’s solicitations, which under Guyana Laws he can consent to sex. Another weak link in their case was the fact that there was no Julius. The accusations were coming from known PNC supporters and the boy’s mother who is a staunch supporter of the PNC. So, from the very outset there was no attempt to get to the truth by way of legal redress, rather, it was a political witch hunt meant to humiliate and embarrass the press secretary. Nonetheless, the US Embassy went full speed ahead as judge jury and executioner and revoked his visa.
So let us turn our attention to the Trotman case and juxtapose it against the McCoy case. Here we have an accuser Anthony Welchman Jr, a visible and real person, with damning evidence to support his claims. In fact, when you place the photographs of the two individuals (Trotman and Anthony) our readers are caught up with the striking resemblance of the two personalities – accused and his alleged victim.  Added to that is Welchman’s claims of being sexually assaulted at age 12, while he was a minor. A paedophile act and a very serious offence that carries a prison sentence if ever this comes up for hearing in a court of law. Trotman can well learn his lesson from the Catholic Church which had to man up to millions of dollars to stave off the shame.
My advice to Trotman – that depends if he is wise – is to settle peacefully and amicably. In doing so he can save himself the shame, the ignominy and public humiliation he would have to face henceforth. He would be wise to settle while there is time; something Counsel Manickchand had given him because no amount of court injunctions can stop Welchman Jr. from going forward with a lawsuit. He is sticking to his story with evidence to prove it. He is not going away.
In a related incident the Speaker of the St Lucian Parliament when faced with a mountain of evidence stacked against him, did the honourable thing and resigned. Trotman is advised to do likewise.
It is your time to face the music Trotman. Do not shy away from it.

NEIL ADAMS