Less than a week after he protested the demolition of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Regional Office in Lethem, the Region’s former Regional Executive Officer (REO), Carl Parker found himself before the Lethem Magistrate’s Court yesterday, charged with damaged to property, and threatening language.

 Another Party member, Godfrey Williams was also charged with damaging the properties of a contractor, Dale Kennedy, on the morning of the demolition exercise.

The men are accused of damaging pieces of wood, zinc, nails, a padlock, a chain and a fence, totalling some $176,000.

For that offence, they were placed on $30,000 bail each.

The party officials were also accused of issuing threats at the contractor.

The PNCR has condemned the arrest of the two party officials in Region Nine and has described the charges as fictitious.

“The arrests and fictitious charges are in connection with the criminal destruction of the PNCR Lethem Office by the PPP REO and the efforts by Mr. Parker and others to legitimately defend the property rights of the Party,” the party said.

Putting the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government on notice, the PNCR said it will sternly oppose the actions of the government  both legally and politically.

“Neither the PNCR Party nor its regional activists will be intimidated by PPP bullyism and malice. We remain steadfast and confident that the law, justice, and the support of fair-minded people of Lethem and Guyana will prevail on our side in this entire matter,” the party said.

News Source understands that while at his farm, some 8 miles from Lethem, Mr Parker was visited by ranks of the Guyana Police Force at around 8:50hrs on Wednesday. He was instructed to visit the Lethem Police Station, and upon his arrival an hour later, he was placed under arrest, and the allegations were put to him. He reserved his right to remain silent.

Both Parker and Williams were later placed before the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.  The matter will come up again on the 22nd March.  

Though Government said it played no part in the demolition of the PNCR’s Regional Office, the Regional Executive Officer (CEO) Karl Singh said, the building, which has been occupied by the PNCR for more than 45 years, is the property of the state, and is needed to facilitate the construction of a health centre.

The PNCR has said the destruction of its local office last Thursday was an act of “state terrorism” and will be sternly opposed in the Courts.

The party has maintained that it has legal title to the property.

The party has since moved to repossess the building. That matter is now engaging the attention of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), after a file was dispatched to that office.

Related posts:

Norton sees political vindictiveness and stoking of ethnic tension as reasons behind demolition of PNC Region 9 Office Jagdeo denies any government involvement in demolition of PNC Region 9 Office PNC to move to Court against Government over demolition of Region 9 party office PNC Lethem Office dismantled; REO says building belongs to Government