–We have to do a proper investigation before we arrest people — Crime Chief Leslie James

CRIME Chief Leslie James yesterday told the Guyana Chronicle in an invited comment that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is indeed investigating the rape allegations made against Speaker of the National Assembly Mr Raphael Trotman by Johnny Welshman.

James said the matter is being investigated thoroughly, since the GPF has to ensure that it covers all bases and take all necessary statements in the matter.

However, this newspaper was informed that the police have not yet sought to obtain any statements from the Speaker of the National Assembly, although they were advised by legal representatives of Trotman that statements would be supplied in the matter.

Speaker Trotman is on record as denying the allegations, and according to information reaching this newspaper, during a confrontation with the police last week in which the allegations were put to him, Trotman again denied any sexual involvement with the young man, and promised the police his full cooperation as they investigate this matter.

Last year, acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, while serving as the country’s Crime Chief, had told reporters that when matters against top ranking officials engage police attention, legal advice is always sought from the Director of Public Prosecution before any consideration is given to charges.

Contacted yesterday by telephone, recently appointed legal adviser to the Guyana Police Force, Justice Claudette Singh, told the Chronicle that the police did not approach her for any advice on the matter relating to Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman.

She said the police would have to seek legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution because the matter is an indictable one.

When the Guyana Chronicle contacted the DPP Chambers yesterday afternoon, we were told that the chambers was not in receipt of any file pertaining to the House Speaker.

A young man has accused Trotman of sexually assaulting him while he was a child. The Speaker has since claimed that his accuser is mentally unstable and his claims are far from the truth.
The allegations have caused much unease within political circles, with persons pointing fingers accusing elements within the ruling party and government of playing a part in the allegation that the young man is making.

Both the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and the Government of Guyana, respectively through General Secretary Clement Rohee and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, have denied any involvement in the claims being made by the young man Welshman.

(By Leroy Smith)