CJRC optimistic of strong legal case against Govt

Red House fiasco

…to mobilise support, sensitise public

The Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) believes it has a strong legal case against the Government with regards to the battle for Red House, Kingston Georgetown.
Government has terminated the controversial lease agreement with the CJRC for Red House but the organisation has successfully managed to stop the State from taking possession of the building through legal means.
The matter will be called up again on February 20 where both parties are expected to argue the law to prove why Red House belongs to either side.
Government contends that Red House belongs under the National Trust because it is a national monument and because the lease agreement is invalid, however the CJRC contends that the termination of the lease agreement was unconstitutional.
In a statement to the media on Wednesday, the CJRC said the action taken by President David Granger is nothing short of an assault on the legacy of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan, who had dedicated his entire life to cause for a free, independent and prosperous Guyana.
“The Management Committee of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre strongly condemns the unleashing of known operatives from the Ministry of the Presidency who invaded the compound of the Centre and ripped off the sign from the building even though there was no legal basis upon which such action could have been taken. It is unconscionable and highly unfair that the Centre was given a mere twenty-four (24) hours to vacate the premises and removed over fifty years of accumulated materials and artefacts, some of which are highly sensitive and delicate,” the statement read.
The Centre said several initiatives are planned by its Management Committee of the Centre mobilise support and to sensitise the public, both local and international, on the “vindictive action taken” by the Granger administration to revoke the lease and to take possession of the land and building.
“The Cheddi Jagan Research Centre will communicate with the public from time to time on developments and the course of action that will be taken to preserve the great legacy of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan,” it noted.
The CJRC also used the opportunity to express gratitude to those organisations and individuals who stood in solidarity with them in condemning the decision taken by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition administration.
“The Centre acknowledges the overwhelming support it received from several individuals and organisations…,” the CJRC expressed.