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I would like to respond to an article published by the Stabroek News dated Tuesday, December 27, 2012 re: Whose gold is it?
From all indications the Stabroek News has painted a vivid picture that the government and the relevant authorities are aware of the gold heist and is “covering up” the origin of the gold which was allegedly smuggled from Guyana. The relevant law enforcement authorities, including the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment have stated on numerous occasions on the basis on preliminary investigations that there is no evidence to suggest that the gold was smuggled from Guyana. Stabroek News itself on December 8, 2012 quoted Minister Persaud saying “Stolen gold did not originate from Guyana.”
For reference I quote from the same article written by Stabroek News; we are awaiting some more information and as I said a team will be in Curacao meeting with the relevant persons,” Persaud told this newspaper when asked if he knew where the gold came from. “I was told that the gold did not originate from Guyana,” he further said, adding that the paperwork that the Curacao authorities have “did not show that it (the gold) left Guyana.” He said that at the moment the team is doing some preliminary work before pointing out that he could not release any more information.
Further, local authorities can only pronounce on the investigation based upon what information is made available regarding the alleged smuggled gold/gold heist which occurred in Curacao. To that effect, Stabroek News should be more aggressive in following up with the authorities in that country who are accountable for the events that occurred in their jurisdiction.
Additionally, the article cannot stand by itself as there is no credible source of information as the Stabroek News merely cited their information quoting sources and observers.
While it is not surprising that the management of Stabroek News engages in journalism that creates aspersions, it would be wise to practise responsible investigative journalism rather than continue on a path that will lead only to self-destruction.
From all indications the Stabroek News has painted a vivid picture that the government and the relevant authorities are aware of the gold heist and is “covering up” the origin of the gold which was allegedly smuggled from Guyana. The relevant law enforcement authorities, including the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment have stated on numerous occasions on the basis on preliminary investigations that there is no evidence to suggest that the gold was smuggled from Guyana. Stabroek News itself on December 8, 2012 quoted Minister Persaud saying “Stolen gold did not originate from Guyana.”
For reference I quote from the same article written by Stabroek News; we are awaiting some more information and as I said a team will be in Curacao meeting with the relevant persons,” Persaud told this newspaper when asked if he knew where the gold came from. “I was told that the gold did not originate from Guyana,” he further said, adding that the paperwork that the Curacao authorities have “did not show that it (the gold) left Guyana.” He said that at the moment the team is doing some preliminary work before pointing out that he could not release any more information.
Further, local authorities can only pronounce on the investigation based upon what information is made available regarding the alleged smuggled gold/gold heist which occurred in Curacao. To that effect, Stabroek News should be more aggressive in following up with the authorities in that country who are accountable for the events that occurred in their jurisdiction.
Additionally, the article cannot stand by itself as there is no credible source of information as the Stabroek News merely cited their information quoting sources and observers.
While it is not surprising that the management of Stabroek News engages in journalism that creates aspersions, it would be wise to practise responsible investigative journalism rather than continue on a path that will lead only to self-destruction.
