GPA calls on Ramjattan to apologise for ‘haul yuh ass’ comment

The Guyana Press Association (GPA) has condemned the verbal attacks launched against its Executive Member, Denis Chabrol and journalists by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan on Wednesday.

Ramjattan, who is performing the duties of Prime Minister, declined to speak with the media at the conclusion of the farewell parade of the outgoing Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, who is currently embroiled in a firearm license scandal. See that story here: https://admin.newsroom.gy/2018/02/28/i-did-nothing-wrong-seelall-on-gun-licences/

Ramjattan, who is also a Vice President, was pressed by reporters to state whether the application for Persaud’s firearm licences was at his desk for approval or through the Firearm licensing board.

In response to the question, Ramjattan told Mr Chabrol: “haul yuh ass”.

“The Guyana Press Association calls on Minister Ramjattan to apologise to our members and also calls on His Excellency, President David Granger to remind his Cabinet that journalists play a major role in this growing democracy of ours and should be allowed to do their jobs without fear or hindrance,” the GPA noted in its statement on Thursday morning, published on the GPA’s Facebook page.

According to the GPA, it is committed to ensuring that its members remain respectful in their trade “but this is becoming increasingly difficult when dealing with some Ministers of Government and public officials.”

Meanwhile, Mr Chabrol reported that he contacted Ramjattan earlier on Wednesday to seek clarification on the process that Persaud used to comply with an instruction to revoke the licences that he had granted himself but the Minister was hostile in this response.

“What the f..k you trying to tell me?”, Ramjattan reportedly told Chabrol.

The GPA has also formally written the Security Minister about his hostile behaviour towards members of the media.