Chairman of the Alliance for Change, Rapharl Trotman has criticized the PPP/C for the targeted attack on former Diredtornof Sports, Christopher Jones.
“I am sickened by the obscene actions of the PPP/C regime in going after Chris Jones in the dark of night, terrifying his little children and family, showing no sense of civility or decency,” Trotman said in a Facebook post.
” If it is believed that Chris has property that belongs to the state, make a request for it, invite him to respond, if he fails or he refuses, then action can be taken. Don’t cut the electricity, wait until dark and then move “en terrorem”. This is the first of many similar acts to come.
Let dignity, fairness and justice prevail!” – Raphael Trotman,” Trotman the former minister of natural resources said.
Jones was arrested early Friday morning following a stand-off at his Tucville home Thursday night over barber equipment.
Jones arrest occurred just after midnight. He was taken to the Diamond Police lock-up on allegations of simple larceny.
All of this happened after the lawmen had broken into Jones’ home, rejecting a court injunction and seized several boxes which they said contained the equipment.
Supporters of Jones have begun mounting a social media campaign calling for him to be released. It is unclear whether police will attempt to charge and haul him before the courts today.
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.
Sensible approach
Meanwhile, government activist, Robin Singh in a Facebook post said an apology is owed to Christopher Jones and a more mature approach to sensitive issues adopted. Singh reasoned that the facts are that Chris Jones applied for a grant from the Ministry of Social Services and was awarded $4.9 Million to equip a Barbershop and employ twenty persons. He noted that the equipment was purchased and delivered to Jones as the ‘beneficiary’ of a government grant. “The project was delayed and the equipment was retained by the legal owner (Jones). An audit revealed that the items were all together and not sold or disposed of in any way.
To make a charge of larceny because the project has not materialised is ludicrous in extremis and certainly not a position any reasonable person can support. Whatever the reason for the project stalling, and there are numerous to choose from; NCM or endless political campaigning since December 21, 2018, for example,” Singh said.
Singh said to resolve the issue someone from a relevant ministry should reach out to Jones and offers to assist with the establishment of the Barbershop business.
He said should Jones not be interested in the project at this stage, he must be asked to return the equipment voluntarily.
“There is no case to be made for larceny or any other illegality and that must be discontinued immediately.
The Guyana Police Force needs to carefully consider its actions and professionalism, their actions on the night of the 20th August does not do them credit,” Singh wrote.
