Kwame McCoy, a sitting minister in the PPP government, has come under fire from CGID president Rickford Burke for his past criminal convictions and alleged involvement in the murder of political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing (See Inews Report). During a Facebook live broadcast, Rickford Burke, president of the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), raised serious allegations about McCoy’s history and conduct in office.
Burke stated that McCoy is “a three-time convicted criminal,” referring to McCoy’s convictions for assault, including the assault of Mark Benschop, Freddie Kissoon, and an unnamed individual in a separate gun-butting incident. Burke also alleged that McCoy was arrested in connection with the murder of Courtney Crum-Ewing in 2016, stating that McCoy “was among four persons who were operatives of the PPP” arrested for the crime.
According to Burke, McCoy’s role in the PPP is to intimidate political opponents and protect the government’s interests. Burke claimed that McCoy tried to “intimidate” him and former police commissioner Paul Slow during a live broadcast, but his efforts were unsuccessful. “He looked like a fool,” Burke remarked.
Burke also questioned how McCoy could remain in public office despite his criminal record. He referred to McCoy as “a PPP thug who they use to attack Black people,” suggesting that his continued presence in government raises questions about the administration’s integrity.
McCoy has not publicly responded to these accusations. The PPP government has not commented on McCoy’s criminal history or the allegations raised by Burke.
