Democracy under threat with Govt silence on REO assault of Chairman-Mahipaul

Shadow Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Ganesh Mahipaul, in a blistering statement, stated the country’s democracy is under threat by the government’s failure to condemn the attack on Mr. Daniel Seeram, Region Chairman, Region Four, by Mr. Donald Gajraj, Regional Executive Officer, Region Four.

During the Region’s flag raising ceremony on February 22, the REO was seen on camera fiercely demanding the microphone from the Regional Chairman who had invited Member of Parliament, Mr. Cathy Hughes, to make remarks.

The events of February 22^nd 2023, Mahipaul said, will forever be etched in the history of Guyana.

From left to right REO Gajraj (standing), Regional Chairman Seeram (middle) and Vice Chair Samuel Sandy (right)

In a statement issued Friday, Mahipaul informed that for the first time in the nation’s history, Guyanaese witnessed a despicable act of disrespect towards the highest elected officer of the highest Local Democratic Organ in our country.

“At the Demerara/Mahaica (Region #4) Regional Democratic Council Republic Flag Raising Ceremony, Mr. Donald Gajraj, the appointed Regional Executive Officer, assaulted the elected Regional Chairman, Mr. Daniel Seeram, J.P. This vile, uncouth, and notorious act of violence shocked the conscience of every Guyanese citizen who cherishes our democratic values.”

The Member of Parliament (MP) informed that the Regional Democratic Council of the Demerara/Mahaica Region (Region #4) successfully passed a No-Confidence motion against Mr. Gajraj and has notified the Central Government. However, to date, the PPP/C government is yet to condemn this outrageous act of violence, he pointed out. The MP warned the government’s failure of leadership is unacceptable and puts Guyana’s democracy at risk.

He has called on the government to show the world, through action, their respect for local democracy and adherence to the rule of law,

“As the Shadow Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, I call on President Ali to man up and take responsibility for the actions of an officer he vested authority in. In the spirit of respecting the rule of law and upholding the guardrails of our democracy, I demand the immediate replacement of Donald Gajraj.”

Nowhere in any democracy can the behaviour of Gajraj be tolerated, he stated. “Failure to take action against this blatant disregard for the democratic process sets a dangerous precedent for the future of our nation, [and] we, as a people, must ensure that those who are entrusted with power and authority act with integrity and respect towards our democracy.”

The MP is urging all Guyanese to stand together and demand accountability and justice for this heinous act. “Let us show the world that we are a nation of laws, where democracy is sacred and upheld at all times,” he advised.