AN ongoing lawsuit involving Reagan Pollard, son of Mrs Elisabeth Harper, has morphed into attempts at blackmail, according to her.“I strongly reject any attempt to use my political appointment to resolve this matter extra- judicially or to influence the legal direction of the court case,” said the prime ministerial candidate of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

Three years ago, Pollard’s company, Reflex Mining, benefited from a US$3M loan put up by investors based in the United States of America (USA). However, the agreement reportedly failed to materialise. Non-repayment of the sums invested resulted in legal action.
Mrs Harper said: “Since I have been appointed as the PPP/C’s prime ministerial candidate, there have been attempts by a known individual, tantamount to blackmail or political extortion regarding a legal dispute between my 36-year old son and his former business partners.
“…my son is engaged in his own business enterprise. I am aware that he and his former business partners have been in court in Guyana since November 2014 to settle a dispute that has arisen.”
She added that since her nomination as President Donald Ramotar’s running mate in the upcoming May 11 polls, she has been subjected to several “blackmail” attempts.
“The several attempts of extortion and blackmail directed at me regarding this case are disturbing,” the PPP/C prime ministerial candidate said.
Mrs Harper maintains her support for her son, and underscored her respect for his business independence.
“I love my son dearly, and am fully supportive of him.  I also respect his business independence,” she said.
Given that the matter is currently before the courts, making it sub judice, the PPP/C prime ministerial candidate declined to comment further on the matter.

The following are some of the emails sent the PPP/C prime ministerial candidate:

From:guayna election [guyanaelection@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2015 8:35 PM
To: Elisabeth Anne Harper
Subject: APNU/AFC are offering me US$ 5 MM to expose you and your son…. what say you?
From: info foru[infoforu61@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, 5 March 2015 10:50 PM
To: Elisabeth Anne Harper
I will wait for his response. But time is scarce. We don’t have too many options left. We will pull the trigger if we need to. We need our obligation satisfied ASAP.
From: info foru[infoforu61@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, 9 March 2015 1:49 PM
To: Elisabeth Anne Harper
Subject: Re: Acknowledgement
We have still not heard back from him. Should we proceed then Elisabeth?