Gov’t denies trying to hinder launch of Shuman’s party

The Government has denied that it is seeking to stifle the “political freedom” of the ‘Liberty and Justice Party’ with the cancellation of its booking at the Umana Yana where the political party was slated to launch on Saturday.

The new Party, headed by former Chair of the National Toshaos Council, Lenox Shuman, on Tuesday revealed that it was all set for its official launch on January 12, 2019, at the Umana Yana under the theme “Shaping Guyana’s Future.”

But despite the fact that the venue was “reserved, paid for, confirmed and booked,” Shuman said he was informed that the venue is no longer available.

Shuman had said: “this is no doubt an attempt to stifle our Constitutional Right to political freedom.”

But a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, on Wednesday, made it clear that the Government has “no intent” to hinder the political aspirations of its citizens.

According to the Government, the use of the facility for the launch coincided with an event being hosted by the Department of Youth.

As per protocol, the Ministry said in-house activities are given preference, but did not disclose what the event is.

The News Room confirmed that an event, ‘Youth and the Oil and Gas sector’ – an interaction between youths and the Department of Energy – is set for 10:00hrs to 12:00hrs at the venue on Saturday.

Shuman’s launch was scheduled to take place at 18:00hrs.

The Ministry said, “the group [new political party] was notified via an official correspondence which detailed the reasons for the position taken.”

As such, the Government said the allegations being levelled against the Ministry by Mr. Shuman, are “unfortunate and is viewed as reckless and irresponsible.”

It noted that the Government is keen on promoting a unified country; one which respects the Constitution and is guided accordingly.

Shuman’s party’s launch has since been relocated to the Georgetown Club.