The Ministry of the Presidency, the Guyana Police Force and the People’s National Congress Reform, all found themselves today refuting statements by the opposition People’s Progressive Party that the Police Force had been given instructions by the Government and the PNC to arrest Opposition Leader Jagdeo on his return to Guyana.
The PPP statement, which was issued on Monday night, came after Mr. Jagdeo was already in the country and faced no arrest or questioning on his arrival.
The Ministry of the Presidency in its statement said it wants to make it clear that “no such instruction to arrest the opposition leader was issued by the Head of State, any Minister of Government or any Government official”.
The Government said it is of the view that “the Constitution, to which every Guyanese is subjected, is supreme and if a violation has occurred, then by all means, the law must take its course.”
It added that the Guyana Police Force must carry out its functions, without fear or favour.
The Guyana Police Force in a statement said it remains a professional organization and any action previously or currently being taken, “is wholly pursuant to legal advice obtained and or to engage in investigations. The Police Force said it had not been issued with any instruction from anyone.”
Police investigators have reportedly visited the Opposition Leader’s Office to obtain a statement from him as part of an investigation into statements he made during the memorial for late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan at Babu John back in March.
The People’s National Congress Reform, which makes up the largest part of the coalition government, in a statement of its own today said “while the PNCR condemned the inflammatory statements by the Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo at Babu John, it is not part of the culture of the PNCR, in or out of government, to issue directives to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) or interfere in the day-to-day operation and administration of the GPF.”
Mr. Jagdeo’s speech, which was aired repeatedly on a number of television stations that are affiliated with his party, was seen as inciting racial hostility.
The Guyana Police Force as part of its probe has reportedly sought the advice of its legal advisor in the matter.
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