Jagdeo calls for independent probe into former MP bribery allegations

Amidst allegations of bribery following former Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud’s vote in favour of the no-confidence resolution, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday said that his Party has not paid any money, and as such, called for an independent investigation to be conducted.
This follows the disclosure the Public Security Minister, who is also the AFC’s Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan, admitted that he instructed the Guyana Police Force to launch an investigation after he received certain information about the former Parliamentarian.

The December 21, 2018 vote led to effective toppling of Government since the Cabinet is meant to resign and the President has to call elections in 90 days unless two-thirds of the National Assembly agrees otherwise.
When asked about an ongoing investigation, Jagdeo told reporters he would only consider it if it comes from an independent probe, preferably done by an international body or expert.
“I would call for an impartial investigation. The allegation has been made by the Government [but] don’t have Ramjattan being the sole source of the information, and it (is) being done by people who are his subordinates…I will deal with the results of an impartial investigation upon its merit.”
On this note, the Opposition Leader reiterated that his party did not pay money to sway anyone to vote in favour of the No-Confidence Resolution that toppled the Coalition administration. “The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) or Jagdeo and any Member for Parliament on our side did not bribe Charrandas to vote that way. That is clear as daylight. There was absolutely no bribery,” Jagdeo reiterated.
Last week, Police Commissioner Leslie James told reporters that a probe against the expelled MP, who fled Canada, is ongoing, and would only say that it was a matter of national security.
According to the Public Security Minister on Wednesday, James is expected to pronounce on the probe sometime next week.
Further, he noted that the preliminary assessments done by the AFC had shown that the former MP did not vote on his conscience, as was claimed.
“The assessment, which also forms part of the Police investigations, is indicating that it could not have been a conscience vote…even the day when we [debated] the no-confidence [motion]; after we adjourned to have meals, he [Persaud] came to me and said, ‘Khemraj you did a wonderful speech, you proper knock them down heavy, but it’s definitely blinded us’,” the minister had pointed out.
Persaud’s vote, which gave the Opposition a 33 majority against Government, is at the centre of multiple litigations at the High Court, which will be ruled upon by month-end by acting Chief Justice Roxanne George, SC.
Meanwhile, the findings of the Police investigations are expected to be revealed today when Top Cop Leslie James hosts a press conference at his office.