Dear Editor,
I constantly hear this question, “is Guyana a real place?” I guess this is being asked due to the prevailing lawlessness in the nation.
The DPP never seems to surprise me. It is so depressing to read her “recommendations”. Recently, by way of correspondence dated April 22, 2024, addressed to Ms. Tameika Clarke, Magistrate at the Suddie Court, and citing article 187 (1) (c), the DPP requested that a matter before the court, involving one Mohamed Fawaz Bacchus, a businessman of Essequibo, be discontinued. Editor, for clarity to your readers, this is what article 187 (1) (c) states, “to discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by him or her or any other person or authority.” In my view, this particular section gives the Office of the DPP sweeping powers.
Editor, the letter to the Magistrate failed to give reasons for discontinuing the matter. This was strange, because it was the Police who brought an action against Mr. Bacchus for misconduct against another citizen. I think the DPP should have shown cause in her letter why the matter must be discontinued without Mr. Bacchus facing the court.
Let us juxtapose the recent actions by the DPP in the matters of ACP (retired) Paul Slowe, et al, who were charged for misconduct in public office in 2021, and that of Hon. David Patterson, who faced trumped up charges. Both matters were heard and dismissed but the DPP has stated that the decisions will be appealed. In June 2023, then sitting Minister, Mr. Nigel Dharamlall, allegedly sodomised and raped an underage indigenous schoolgirl. Despite the public outcry, the DPP did not recommend that he be charged. Mr. Dharamlall subsequently resigned under public pressure and the victim was denied her day in court.
Editor, since the return of the PPP/C to office in 2020, the rule of law appears to be endangered. Citizens will recall that the Courts were hearing a number of matters brought against Mr. Ifraan Ali (19 fraud charges), Mr. Anil Nandlall (missing law books), Mr. Winston Brassington and Mr. Ashni Singh (misconduct in public office).
Soon after the PPP/C assumed office in 2020, the office of the Director of Public Prosecution recommended that charges be discontinued, using the very powers contained in article 187(1) (c), again without any explanation. Several of my political colleagues and professionals are facing trumped up charges brought against them for alleged electoral malpractices. These matters were filed since 2020 and in 2024, trial is yet to commence. Hopefully, the DPP will use her good office to recommend that these matters be similarly discontinued. I firmly believe that with the establishment of the Constitution Reform Commission, strong recommendations should be made to reduce the powers of the office of the Director of Public Prosecution.
Finally, Editor, once the PPP/C regime continues to govern, the lawlessness and the utter disrespect for the rule of law will continue to destroy the legal and moral tapestry of our nation. The PPP/C must go.
Yours truly,
Annette Ferguson, MP
