While not placing a timeline on the police’s work, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon says that the investigation into alleged bribery and movement of gold by former Parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud is “well advanced.”
“We are advised that investigations are well advanced and because of the nature of the investigations, the police would prefer to keep the work they’re doing under wraps until such time they can give a proper and fuller report,” Minister Harmon told reporters at the sidelines of the opening of GDF Annual Officers’ Conference at State House Thursday.
When asked if there is a timeline for these investigations, Mr. Harmon said, “It’s a professional investigation that’s going on and the police must be able to say where the investigation is.”
In an effort to keep the diplomatic community abreast with the political situation facing Guyana since the December 21 passage of the No-Confidence motion against the coalition Government in the National Assembly, the Government has met with ABCE delegations, along with the Chinese and Indian diplomats in Guyana.
“It is our intention, of course, to ensure there are regular briefings on the international situation as we see it and as Vice President [Carl] Greenidge advises,” Mr Harmon said.
On December 21, 2018, the AFC Member of Parliament voted in support of the Opposition Sponsored No Confidence motion against his own government, trigging early elections in the country.
The No-Confidence motion is now subject to court proceedings.
Following the vote, reports surfaced of Persaud accepting a hefty bribe and plans to buy millions in gold.
Relations with Canada intact
Despite Canada’s involvement in assisting Persaud out of the country, Minister Harmon assured that Guyana still enjoys a good relationship with Canada.
“We value the relationship which we have with Canada, it’s a long-standing one and we intend to work on that to improve that relationship as we go along,” Minister Harmon said.
Persaud sought refuge at the Canadian Embassy in Georgetown the night after he voted on the grounds that he was fearful of his life.
Canada took action given the fact that Persaud is also a Canadian citizen, and escorted him all the way to the tarmac of the Eugene F. Correia International Airport the next day when he fled to Canada.
Guyana subsequently met with Canadian Ambassador to Guyana, Lilian Chaterjee to clear up exactly what role Canada may have played in the entire situation.
