…residents, APNU supporters resist ‘unlawful search’ at Chris Jones’ home for barber shop equipment
Residents and supporters of the APNUAFC coalition on Thursday resisted what they deemed an illegal search on the home of former Director of Sports Christopher Jones by members of the Guyana Police Force, Major Crimes Unit.
Police said that they were in search of items allegedly procured by Jones on behalf of the state that were in his possession, based on an audit that was done. Jones’ lawyers, Darren Wade and James Bond challenged the ranks on the lawfulness of the search, requesting that they produce a search warrant issued by the court. The ranks could not produce any such warrant, but promised to return on Friday with one to effect the search.
At the scene residents told Village Voice that both uniformed and plainclothes ranks swarmed the area brandishing high powered weapons at the gate of the new soon to be APNU parliamentarian. Within minutes a large crowd of party supporters descended on the area to show support for their comrade.
Speaking with the media attorney Bond related that the police ranks were responding to allegations of simple larceny and that they were there to search Jones’ property.
In a swift release on the issue the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) condemned what they described as the unlawful and unjustifiable attempt by the Guyana Police Force to search the home of Jones, who has three young children. “The unlawful search was ordered by the Jagdeo/Ali fraudulent PPP government. It is the epitome of political incitement and provocation. It must not be tolerated. It must face fierce resistance,” the CGID said. CGID also condemned the action demonstrated by the officer in charge on the scene, who refused the speak with Supreme Court Justice Brassington Reynolds, who was reviewing an application for an injunction to restraint the Police Force from proceeding with the illegal search. “We call on Justice Reynolds to hold the Police Commissioner and officer in charge at the scene in contempt of court. It is also deplorable that the PPP government arranged for electric power to the block on which Mr. Jones lives to be cut. This type of tyranny is reminiscent of Nazi Germany and Putin’s Russia. Guyanese must resist this lawless assault on democracy and national tranquility.”
Granger’s warning
Former President David Granger is on record saying that it did not take the PPP/C long before it reverted to its “dangerous pattern” which has negatively impacted innocent persons and those perceived to be politically affiliated. He said that such unbecoming acts would not go without consequence. “Guyanese, the People’s Progressive Party, within hours of the swearing-in of the new President following the ‘declaration’ issued by the Chairman of the Elections Commission…commenced a vulgar, divisive and vindictive campaign of alienation, discrimination and separation against former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition ministers and members of Guyana’s Public Service,” he said.
“Former ministers whose normal residences are located in the rural and hinterland regions were swiftly ordered to vacate their government quarters, unreasonably, within 36 hours. Public servants were locked out of their offices without explanation. Contracted officials were threatened with arbitrary and summary termination of their service.” Indeed, media reports are that at least four former government ministers were given 36 hours to vacate the government property they were occupying at various locations Georgetown. Letters giving the order were dispatched form Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaac after he was instructed to do so by Teixeira.
APNU+AFC Region Three Information Officer and General Manager of the Guyana Chronicle, Ganesh Mahipaul was asked to vacate the government property he occupies at Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara within an unreasonable 72 hours. The instruction came from the PPPP/C Administration through the Regional Chairman, Julius Faerber. Mahipaul responded: “…if it is the desire of the newly formed Government to have me vacate the Government house, I respectfully request that it be done within the confines of the laws of Guyana and in keeping with the Public Service Rules.
There were also media reports that several staff attached to the Ministry of the Presidency were asked to resign just days after President Irfaan Ali assured Guyanese that public servants have “nothing to fear” under his administration. The Former President and PNC/R Leader said that he is reminded of the violence unleashed by “PPP hooligans against” innocent schoolchildren travelling in a school bus at Bath Settlement in the Mahaica-Berbice Region on March 6, 2020 not long after the elections. He said that an atmosphere of “fear and loathing” enveloped the nation both then and now and this should not be expected after elections in our country. As such, he warned: “The People’s National Congress warns the People’s Progressive Party to desist from pursuing this dangerous pattern of aggression against officials, members of society and persons perceived to belong to other political parties. The PPP will bear responsibility for the consequences of its conduct.”
Jones was on August 10 relieved of his post as director of sports. Jones was appointed sports director in 201`5 following the coalition’s victory at the polls. He was also a candidate for the APNU+AFC coalition at the March 2, 2020 elections. He was one of several officials of the former administration who are in the firing line for the PPP/C government.
