Region 9 REO interdicted from duty – Bulkan

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan has announced that Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), Carl Parker has been off the job for over one week and that a replacement REO has since been installed.

During an interview with the Government Information Agency, the Minister disputed reports in some sections of the media that Parker was still on the job. He added that there were reports from members of the community and Regional Chairman Brian Allicock, as well as the media, that Parker was still on the job.

According to Bulkan, Kerwin Ward, formerly of the Region Three administration has assumed the responsibility of acting REO of Region Nine. Ward has been with the Region Three administration for over 20 years and his last substantial position within the Region Three office was Field Auditor.

Parker was on Thursday, February 9, charged for allegedly sexually assaulting one of the region’s elected officials. The sexual assault charge was read to him as he appeared before a Magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Following this, Minister Bulkan had informed the media that following the institution of the charge against Parker, he would be interdicted from duty with immediate effect.

It is alleged that Parker, 53, of Cenotaph Boulevard, Lethem, Region Nine, had sexually assaulted a young lady on June 13, 2016 at Yupukari, Central Rupununi, during a village outreach he had hosted. The REO pleaded not guilty.

He appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman, who read the charge in-camera before granting him bail in the sum of $200,000.

Speaking with reporters outside the courtroom, Parker’s lawyer, Attorney-at-Law Jerome Khan sought to poke holes in the allegation made against his client, questioning the fact that the incident was only reported in December of 2016 and not when it had reportedly occurred in June.

The defence attorney also pointed out that following this alleged assault, the Virtual Complainant maintained a friendly relationship with Parker, and even visited his home on many occasions.

Khan had told media operatives previously that the accused was a victim and his situation was a “perfect political storm”, intended to remove Parker from his position.

Govt failed to act

During a press conference held earlier this month, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo accused Government of failing to discipline Parker against whom several similar allegations have been made.

“This Government has serious problems with professionals, particularly young professionals and particularly women. So in (Region Nine, an education official) complained about the (alleged) predatory behaviour of the (official). And it was swept under the carpet,” Jagdeo had stated.

He continued, “Then the (municipal official) complained that she was sexually molested by the same person. It was reported to everyone, including the Minister. The President is aware of it. They try to sweep it under the carpet again.”

At least two arms of the People’s Progressive Party have since come out in solidarity with the alleged victim. These groups – the Women’s Progressive Organisation and Progressive Youth Organisation of Region Nine – expressed admiration for the boldness of the Virtual Complainant in coming forward.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Empowered Peoples Action Network (GEPAN) had come out condemning this recent attack for which the REO was charged. In a missive last month, GEPAN said it had been solicited to petition on behalf of the Virtual Complainant, as a civil actor.

According to GEPAN, the victim suffered the assault while carrying out her official duties.

The advocacy group alleged that it was during a work trip, when she was forced to share a room with the suspect, that she was physically assaulted. GEPAN added that the victim has suffered “psychological and emotional abuse and break down” owing to the incident.

The group went on to reveal that the official has been forced to compromise her career and her home life has suffered.