`I would like to take this opportunity to state categorically that the statement by His Excellency must not be seen as an about-face. It must be noted that the political opposition has been calling for my removal, thus aborting the course of natural justice. They tried me, convicted me and sentenced me before any investigation. I do not intend to resign on the basis of unfounded and scandalous allegations in sections of the media. I will not be lynched.' Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj
HOME Affairs Minister, Mr. Ronald Gajraj has welcomed President' Bharrat Jagdeo's appointment of a three-member Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the operations of an alleged death squad, but has cautioned that the President's statement should not be construed as an "about-face".
In a comment released to the media by the Government Information Agency (GINA) yesterday, the Minister said the political opposition has been calling for his removal, thus aborting the course of natural justice.
"They tried me, convicted me and sentenced me before any investigation. I do not intend to resign on the basis of unfounded and scandalous allegations in sections of the media. I will not be lynched," he said.
President Jagdeo' announcement Friday afternoon of the appointment of the Commission of Inquiry came a week after Gajraj offered to proceed on leave to allow for an investigation.
Justice of Appeal, Mr. Ian Chang will chair the Commission. The other members are former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Major General (ret'd) Norman McLean and Deputy Commissioner of Police (ret'd) and Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr. Ivan Crandon.
According to the Terms of Reference, they will examine, advise and report on whether and to what extent there is evidence of a credible nature to support the allegations that Gajraj has been involved in promoting, directing or otherwise engaging in activities which have involved the extra-judicial killing of persons.
The full text of Minister Gajraj's statement reads:
I am very pleased to note that His Excellency, President Bharrat Jagdeo has acceded to my request to have a mechanism put in place to facilitate a fair and impartial inquiry into certain allegations made against me, and welcome his decision to have a Commission of Inquiry established for that purpose.
I had, several weeks ago, indicated to the President my willingness to proceed on leave and suggested that he set up a mechanism to allow for a fair, transparent and impartial inquiry into the allegations. On Friday, May 7, I made public my willingness to proceed on leave to allow for that impartial inquiry.
As I have previously stated, since my appointment as the Minister of Home Affairs, I have discharged the functions of my office with dedication, commitment, honesty and pride. I have always acted in accordance with the laws of Guyana.
I would like to take this opportunity to state categorically that the statement by His Excellency must not be seen as an about-face. It must be noted that the political opposition has been calling for my removal, thus aborting the course of natural justice. They tried me, convicted me and sentenced me before any investigation. I do not intend to resign on the basis of unfounded and scandalous allegations in sections of the media. I will not be lynched.
As I had earlier indicated, it was my hope that those who claim to have information to support the allegations, would have by now presented statements and evidence to the only competent authority to investigate such matters - the Guyana Police Force. I had expected that an investigation would have been carried out so that the truth could have been revealed to the Guyanese people. Instead, no such statement was made or evidence provided, thus the Police were unable to mount any investigation.
I wish to repeat that I am no longer prepared to allow my integrity and commitment to the laws of Guyana to be the subject of a trial in sections of the media and at opposition political meetings.
Consistent with my earlier statement, I will be proceeding on leave from a current date. I wish the members of the Commission of Inquiry well and assure them of my full cooperation, if and when is needed.
I call on sections of the media and their political handlers to stop hounding and vilifying my family and me. Let us all await the findings of the Inquiry, which I expect will be made public.