Ramayya no big loss to AFC says Trotman; Bulkan denies corruption claims

Minister of Natural Resources and Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Raphael Trotman does not view the resignation from the party and recent endorsement of the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) by former Regional Executive Officer of Region 6, Dr. Veerasammy Ramayya as a big loss.

According to Trotman his resignation “did not come as a surprise” and was “not unexpected,” since that conclusion was drawn judging from his public writings about the AFC.  “We did get a sense based on his writings that he was tending towards that position,” said the AFC leader today.

Trotman said the party has moved on, even though there is always a sense of disappointment when a member leaves. He noted that all parties will have “fall outs” and disagreements.

However, Trotman said this will not affect the AFC from being a good coalition partner, boasting that the APNU+AFC Government will continue to be a strong force so that when elections are called again, the party would return to office.

Meantime, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan has distanced himself and his ministry from claims by Ramayya that his ministry was covering up corruption in that region.

Bulkan told media operatives today that “I would like to see the evidence…I don’t know if Mr. Ramayya has furnished any evidence to support his contention, but I would like to disassociate the ministry from any such conduct.”

He noted that his ministry is committed to transparency and integrity in public affairs and administration. Minister Bulkan challenged Dr. Ramayya to present the evidence to support his claims.

Only last weekend Ramayya was seen interacting with members of the PPP during the 20^th Death Anniversary commemoration service of Dr. Cheddi Jagan at Babu John.  General Secretary of the PPP Bharrat Jagdeo also called on party members to welcome supporters of the coalition and others who may have strayed from the party.