Political activist Ramayya charged for harassing, humiliating Berbice Pandit online

Popular Berbice political activist and former member of parliament Veerasammy Ramayya, 75, of Whim Village was on Thursday hauled before the court and charged for harassing and humiliating a Pandit from Crabwood Creek.

Ramayya was arrested on August 6, 2022 and was charged with using a computer system to harass and humiliate Surujdyal Sahadeo called “Pandit Dave”, 43, of Crabwood Creek, Upper Corentyne, Berbice.

The charge was laid Contrary to section 19 (5) (a) in Contravention of Section 19 (3) of the Cybercrime Act 2018, of the Laws of Guyana.

Ramayya, the former Regional Executive Officer under the APNU/AFC administration, appeared at the Springlands Magistrates Court before Magistrate Alex Moore and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

He was sent on his recognisance through his attorney Mirza Sahadat. Ramayya will make his next court appearance on February 20, 2023.

According to the facts of the case presented to the court by the prosecutor, Ramayya posted a video lambasting the character of Sahadeo. In the video, Ramayya allegedly said that there is a shortage of milk because people are using it to wash Sahadeo’s feet and that Sahadeo consumes gilbaka fish at a religious place while engaging in religious work.

At the court, Ramayya told reporters that he believes that the charge is political.

He opined that it is not about what was said on his programme, but rather his responsibility of reporting what takes place in the region to the President and the Vice-President.

Recently Ramayya resigned as the Coordinator for President Irfaan Ali’s Rapid Response Taskforce in Region Six. He had cited corruption as one of the main reasons for his resignation.

Ramayya hosts a weekly programme airing various issues that occur in Region Six. It is on the said programme he allegedly made comments towards the Pandit.