Ms Prithima Kissoon must be congratulated for her courage

Dear Editor,

The media has recently been dominated by the case of Ms Prithima Kissoon, Deputy Solicitor General, and Mr Basil Williams, Attorney General.

Ms Kissoon must be congratulated for the brave stance she has taken to defend her integrity and her professionalism. She has taken the matter up with the Public Service Commission.

From all the information available in the media, it is clear that Ms Kissoon has done nothing wrong. The problem lies with the Attorney General who made a huge mistake, even though an elementary one, in the filing of the appeal in a case involving the Leader of the Opposition.

Williams had the appeal filed in his name, although he was not a party in the original case. According to Ms Kissoon and Ms Sita Ramlall, Williams was advised that it was not in his place to appeal. He, however, insisted.

Now having been exposed for his incompetence, he is attempting to cast blame on an obviously bright, competent professional, Ms Kissoon. She has alleged that he abused and harassed her, and is now trying to have her dismissed.

She has already been sent on leave.

Ms Kissoon is not the only young professional to have been treated that way by the Attorney General and his office. Many others have been fired, harassed and forced to resign.

The following is a short list of earlier victims:

1. Indira Ananjit (Permanent Secretary, Legal Affairs Ministry)

2. Seeta Ramlall (Solicitor General, Legal Affairs Ministry)

3. Prithima Kissoon (Deputy Solicitor General)

4. Cecil Durjohn (Chief Legal Draftsman, Legal Affairs Ministry)

5. Sasha Mahadeo (State Council)

6. Rajendra Jaigobin (State Council)

7. Fareeda Baksh

8. Dwajendra Rooplall (Personal Assistant)

9. Kemraj Mangroo

10. Deborah Chan (Clerk)

11. Chandradat Mangroo (Driver)

The ministry is a small one and the ethnic cleansing is noticeable.

Four Guyanese of African descent were also forced out of their jobs – Adrian Smith, Stephen Roberts, Beulah Williams and Vonette Atwell. Their issue is that they are suspected PPP/C supporters.

This case involving Ms Kissoon has highlighted and exposed the behaviour of one Minister, Basil Williams. This has been exposed because of the arrogance of Mr Williams.

Once again, Indo-Guyanese and non Indo-Guyanese, PPP/C supporters are being made to feel that they are aliens in their own country. Many are being forced to migrate.

That is why Ms Prithima Kissoon must be congratulated for her courage. She has stood up to the bullyism. All Guyanese need to stand-up to prevent further deterioration before it is too late.

Sincerely,

Donald Ramotar

Former President