Assassination plot
Describing as serious the alleged existence of a plot to kill President David Granger, former President and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, has urged that a thorough investigation be conducted into the matter.
“A threat to kill anyone, particularly the Head of State, must be treated seriously. I expect our security forces will ensure that this matter is investigated thoroughly, and that appropriate action (would) be taken against anyone implicated,” Jagdeo told Guyana Times on Saturday, when contacted for a comment on the matter.
Jagdeo said the probe must be expeditious, in order to erase any speculation of mischief. “This (investigation) must be done expeditiously to avoid allegations that this plot against the President was fabricated to distract the nation’s attention from the deteriorating economy and to justify increased security spending,” the Opposition Leader added.
Allegations
Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud indicted to reporters on Friday that the Force’s legal advisor, in reviewing the case file, will have to determine whether there is substance to the allegation, or if the allegation is just a ploy to create mischief.
“The legal advisor is the best person to say whether there is evidence; evidence to show that the allegation has been proven or that there was mischief, or maybe somewhere in between (and) cannot be determined,” he explained.
Nevertheless, the Top Cop pointed out that, whatever the case may be, both scenarios are unlawful, and as such, legal actions will be taken.
“Well, the allegation is one of treason. Any plot to kill the President or overthrow Government is treason. And on the other hand, if someone tells a police officer something that is false and caused him to act in accordance with the call of duty, then there is a charge of giving false information,” he explained.
Plot
In the meantime, the investigation into the alleged plot to kill the Guyanese leader is on-going. After taking statements from the complainant — the person who claimed that a businessman had promised to give him $7 million to assassinate the President — and another individual who had reportedly witnessed the alleged transaction, investigators have handed the case file over to the Force’s legal mind for advice. The file has since been returned for further work to be done by investigators.
“We got advice (on Friday). Actually, there was a witness that the police contacted, whom the police’s legal advisor asked to be confronted with the person making the allegation (in order) to clear some issues and resend (the file)… Hopefully, over the weekend that will happen, and we will get advice on that,” the Police Commissioner stated.
Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan on Friday also denied reports appearing in certain sections of the media to the effect that senior police officers are involved in the alleged plot to assassinate the Head of State.
The Minister has, moreover, charged media houses to be responsible in reporting highly sensitive stories, as in this instance. The Police Commissioner also concurred with this view, noting that the media are a powerful element and have to show some form of maturity and journalistic ethics in reportage.
News of the allegation became public on Thursday, when State Minister Joseph Harmon confirmed that the presidential security has been beefed up following allegations that a group of high-profile individuals have been planning to shoot the Head of State should he step out of his secure zone in one of his public outreaches.
