…consequences must be borne if law was broken – Jagdeo
The People’s Progressive Party is awaiting the completion of the investigation being carried out into the operations of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) before it makes a pronouncement.
PPP Central Executive member, Dr Roger Luncheon
Investigations are currently underway into the operations of the Gold Board following reports that staff members might be linked to gold dealer Saddiqi Rafeek Mohamed Rasul, who was charged earlier this month for a $956 million fraud.
Three persons have since been sent on administrative leave pending the completion of the probe – the daughter of former President Donald Ramotar, Lisaveta Ramotar; Legal Officer Suzanne Bullen and Deputy General Manager, Andrea Seelochan.
Speaking to the media on Monday, PPP Central Executive Member, Dr Roger Luncheon said it was way too early for a pronouncement.
He said to make a pronouncement now with the inconclusive findings would be most inappropriate.
Opposition Leader Dr Bharrat Jadgeo
Meanwhile, PPP General Secretary and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, addressing the issue also on Monday, said the Police had to carry out their investigations, as his Party was not against any probe carried out professionally.
“The Police seem to be very public in these matters. If you have a major problem with gold smuggling, investigate it thoroughly. The PPP is not against professional, thorough investigations and wherever the chips fall, then the consequences have to be borne by people if they break the law,” he told Journalists on Monday.
He said, however, that this could not be done conveniently, since he was aware that there might be connections to Ministers in this whole affair.
“I guess they would sterilise the ministerial connections in this matter and just allow the technical staff to face the music in this case. I am all for thorough investigations, but including the Ministers,” he said.
