Granger says Mingo is a quiet, peaceful, modest man

Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and former President of Guyana David Granger on Monday praised Returning Officer of Region Four Clairmont Mingo as a “quiet, peaceful and modest” man as he addressed supporters in front of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Granger joined with the protestors in calling for Mingo to be released from Police custody noting that “Mr Mingo is not a child, Mr Mingo has rights, he is not a flight risk. He’s not going to run away from this country, he’s been here all the time –a quiet, peaceful, modest man, mature man –we asked for him to be released from custody so that he can rejoin his family.”

Subsequently, the GECOM officer who appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan was placed on $600,000 bail on four counts of misconduct in public office.

Mingo was charged for declaring inflated figures in the largest electoral district seeking to give the APNU+AFC a win at the March 2 general and regional elections. A national vote recount subsequently proved that the People’s Progressive Party won the elections and that Mingo altered the votes in his district.

The supporters chanted “free Mingo,” and told Granger they still believe he should have been sworn in for a second term in office.

Despite regulations restricting the gathering of more than ten persons due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the former President thanked the protestors who turned up in their green and yellow clothing to show their support.

“We protest against that, we protest against the prosecution of public servants,” Granger said.

Granger said it “inhumane for him to be treated the way he’s treated and we ask that the matter not be politicized, if there are questions, he will answer those questions. His lawyer is mature so he will be able to answer those questions.”