SENIOR Counsel, Cecil Dhurjon, has slammed former President Donald Ramotar for lying about the circumstances under which he demitted office as the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.

In a letter to the Editor of the Guyana Times, dated Saturday, 4th February 2017, Former President, Donald Ramotar, listed Dhurjon as a victim of victimisation by Attorney General, Basil Williams. “This is a falsehood to which I cannot acquiesce,” Dhurjon wrote in a letter to this newspaper.
“I was working on a contract of three and a half years, but after just over a year I decided that I should heed the advice of my doctors and cease active duties. So I tendered my resignation, which took effect from 1st January 2017,” the senior counsel said.

It was only on Monday Williams corrected several inaccuracies in the said letter, in which Ramotar listed a number of other persons mostly of East Indian descent. However, Dhurjon would have none of it: “I consider it a moral duty to society to correct the falsehood which time and its non-refutation could lead to the belief that it is true, and this would be most undesirable. It is wrong to cast blame on an individual where that individual’s action has been nothing but honourable and just. I was never victimised in my fifty years as a law officer. I owe gratitude to the present Attorney General for his kindness; he was considerate and appreciative of my effort and was a source of encouragement,” Dhurjon wrote.

“I take this opportunity to thank every Administration that afforded me the opportunity to serve Guyana for thirty three years as Chief Parliamentary Counsel to seven of the eight Attorneys General, all of whom approved of my work and to whom I am deeply indebted for the learning acquired from them. I thank the officers of the Ministries and Departments of Government, especially those of the Ministry of Legal Affairs for their co-operation and assistance without which my goals as a draftsman could not have been achieved. It was a pleasure serving as Chief Parliamentary Counsel, having learnt so much from so many for so long,” Dhurjon concluded.

In a release issued by his chambers on Monday, Williams made reference to Ramotar’s letter in the February 4th, 2017 publication of the Guyana Times which stated that the AG had “fired, harassed and forced to resign” many persons since taking office. However, Williams detailed the circumstances under which the persons Ramotar referenced parted with the chambers.

•Indira Ananjit (Former Permanent Secretary, Legal Affairs Ministry)-She was sent on administrative leave following the discovery of millions of dollars’ worth of law books and computer parts authorised by her for purchase but not being found in the Ministry. Her contract was not renewed.

•Sita Ramlall (Solicitor General, Legal Affairs Ministry) -retired at age 65.

•Prithima Kissoon (Deputy Solicitor General) – Currently on Administrative Leave pending investigations in relation to matters she was dealing with in which she acted inimically to the interest of the State.

•Cecil Dhurjon (Former Chief Parliamentary Council, Legal Affairs Ministry)- Mr Cecil Dhujon was given a three years contract by the Hon. Attorney General Basil Williams and resigned for medical reasons.

•Further, His wife Mrs Ananda Dhurjon who retired at age 55 from the Ministry of Legal Affairs was subsequently re-contracted as a Consultant to the Parliamentary Division by the Hon. Attorney General Basil Williams.

•Sasha Mahadeo (State Council)- She resigned after being accepted the opportunity to further her legal education in Canada.

•Rajendra Jaigobin (State Council) –He resigned and went to work with Mr Anil Nandlall.

•Fareeda Baksh- Ms Baksh was found unlawfully giving out files and documents to Anil Nandlall and his driver. Contract not renewed.

•Dwajendra Rooplall (Personal Assistant) He Campaigned with Mr. Anil Nandall at the last National and Regional Elections and was a member of his personal staff. His contract was not renewed.

•Kemraj Mangroo- Resigned to take full time studies at the University of Guyana.

•Deborah Chan (Clerk)- This individual was never employed at the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

•Chandradat Mangroo (Mr Nandlall’s personal driver) He Resigned and is now employed at freedom House.

•Adrian Smith,- His contract was not renewed while Stephen Roberts resigned to further his studies. Beulah Williams retired at age 55 and had no interest in renewing her contract, finally Ms Vonetta Atwell is currently on six months Maternity Leave.