PPP calls out Granger on ‘double standard’

THE leader of the main Opposition, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, came in for criticism by the ruling party yesterday.The PPP highlighted what was termed “deceitfulness” on the issue of illegal firearms and gun-related crimes.
According to the party, Granger has demonstrated a double standard in his comments on cracking down on illegal firearms and gun-related crimes – a double standard made evident following the shooting at Congress Place, the People’s National Congress Reform’s headquarters, during its 18th Biennial Congress.
In a statement, the PPP said, “It is David Granger who, on countless occasions, criticised the PPP/Civic Government, accusing the party of not doing enough to tackle the issue and of not providing adequate resources to tackle trafficking of illegal firearms and the use of these firearms in the commission of crimes.
“Notwithstanding all the talk and propaganda, it was at the People’s National Congress/Reform Biennial Congress on July 27, 2014, where an individual known to be one of the security detail attached to Congress Place was armed with a firearm and discharged a round at no less a place, than the headquarters of Mr. Granger’s party.
“This exposes the double standards practiced by Mr. Granger, who, while pretending to be serious about tackling the trafficking of illegal firearms in Guyana, is yet to explain the presence of a gunman openly brandishing and firing a loaded firearm in a crowded place.”
The PPP was emphatic in underscoring that this incident lends to the belief that it may be the reason why the PNC voted against the Firearm Amendment Bill when it was first tabled in the National Assembly, and after internal and external pressure was exerted on the AFC and APNU to review their positions.
“It is perhaps not co-incidental that Mr. Granger and the PNCR continue to find themselves in the company of criminal elements,” the party said.
The ruling party also referenced Granger’s affiliation with Kevin Fields, suspected criminal, who was eventually shot and killed by a businessman while committing a robbery on Sherriff Street
The PPP added, “We can never stop recalling that it was Mr. Granger’s PNC that draped the casket of notorious bandit Linden “Blackie” London with a Guyana flag.
“Moreover it was Mr. Granger’s PNC that supported the criminal elements who held Guyana under siege following the Mash Day 2003 jailbreak. Further, it was Mr. Granger’s PNC who supported the criminal enterprise who held Buxton captive for almost three years.
“Further, it was Mr. Granger’s PNC who described criminal elements as Freedom Fighters.”
The party contends that it would seem that Granger and the PNCR are on the “wrong side” of the law, as was the case since the 1960’s. They continue to find themselves in the company of criminal elements.
“We urge Guyanese to be wary of the wolves in sheep clothing that preach as though they are the only saviours of this country; while in the same breath, they continue to nestle comfortably in the company of criminal elements,” the PPP concluded.