Press Association demands apology from “hostile” Public Security Minister

According to the press body, based on official complaints by two of its members against Minister Ramjattan, it was noted that its members and journalists were "verbally abused - one, Mr Chabrol, on the phone and in person. The verbal abuse continued later on Wednesday, February 28th 2018 in the presence of members of the media. This is as members of the media sought to interview Mr Ramjattan on a topical issue at the farewell parade of the outgoing Commissioner of Police."

Press Association demands apology from “hostile” Public Security Minister

One day after Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, muttered “haul ya ass” to a journalist as he dodged an interview, the Guyana Press Association is calling for him to apologise.

In a statement, The Guyana Press Association said it condemns “in the strongest possible terms the verbal attacks on its Executive Member Mr Denis Chabrol and fellow journalists by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan”.

According to the press body, based on official complaints by two of its members against Minister Ramjattan, it was noted that its members and journalists were “verbally abused – one, Mr Chabrol, on the phone and in person. The verbal abuse continued later on Wednesday, February 28th 2018 in the presence of members of the media. This is as members of the media sought to interview Mr Ramjattan on a topical issue at the farewell parade of the outgoing Commissioner of Police.”

The “haul ya ass” comment from the Minister came as he was walking away from journalists after telling them he would not be taking any questions from them.

Veteran journalist Denis Chabrol persisted to ask his questions and Ramjattan reminded him that he had already spoken to him on the phone earlier in the day. As Chabrol reminded Ramjattan that he used expletive language at him during that phone interview, Mr. Ramjattan said he would use that kind of language from time to time.

As he walked away to his vehicle with the media just behind him, he dismissed Chabrol’s insistence by telling him to “haul ya ass”.

Chabrol who is an Executive Member of the GPA did not appear to realise what the Minister had said, but after he was told, he responded by saying “that’s very good of you Minister.”

Ramjattan drove off leaving the media behind. Chabrol was later seen consulting with the Vice President of the GPA, Zoisa Fraser, who witnessed the exchange.

In addition to the demand for an apology, the Press Association has issued a call on 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.”

This was not the first time that Ramjattan used the “haul ya ass” phrase. A few years ago while he was in Opposition, he told a government minister at the time to also carry out the same hauling practice.

 

UPDATE:  Minister issues apology…  https://newssourcegy.com/news/public-security-minister-apologises-to-gpa-and-media-workers-over-haul-yuh-ass-statement/

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