Despite the withdrawal of support by A Partnership for National Unity, the coalition Candidate Winston Harding, who was once accused of molesting a child,  has managed to canvas enough votes to win his Georgetown Constituency.

Two days before the elections, the APNU withdrew it support from Mr. Harding over allegations of child molestation.

Harding’s name was still reflected on the ballot paper and he has secured victory in his constituency.

President David Granger announced on Saturday that discussions will be held among the coalition to decide the way forward.

He was asked specifically by News Source whether Mr. Harding would be recalled or be allowed to take up his seat as a Councillor in the Georgetown Municipality.

To this, Mr. Granger said he could not make an announcement but said it is a matter that has to be discussed at the party level. He said he stands by the statement of non support that was issued by the APNU on Wednesday when the allegations were reported.

“I cannot go beyond that announcement until it is discussed,” he said. In the statement, the APNU  said that it was against all forms of abuse, especially abuse of women, children and the elderly and it takes seriously all allegations of abuse that are made against its members and supporters. “In our 2015 manifesto we clearly stated and affirmed that the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offenders Act must at all times be enforced without compromise or exception,” the statement noted.

The APNU added that it was cognizant of the fact that Mr. Harding was not convicted of any offence, but said the gravity and nature of the accusations cannot be ignored or condoned.

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence came in for a good deal of criticism for not immediately acting on the reports and seeking to defend Harding. There were calls on Friday from a Non Government Organisation for the President to relieved her of her Ministerial portfolio.

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