GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Opposition Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul has reported Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill to the Guyana Police Force, alleging that the minister made threatening remarks towards him during an encounter earlier today.
According to Mahipaul, he visited the Brickdam Police Station shortly after the incident to lodge an official report.
The parliamentarian alleged that, in the presence of fellow Members of Parliament Juretha Vanessa Fernandes and Nima Flue-Bess, Minister Edghill told him that he would “deal with” him “at the appropriate time” and that he would “run for cover.”
Mahipaul said he regarded the statements as threatening and believes they warrant a police investigation.
“No Member of Parliament, public official, or citizen should be subjected to statements that can reasonably be interpreted as threatening or intimidating,” he said in a statement. “Public office demands restraint, respect, and responsible conduct, even in moments of political disagreement.”
He said he has asked the Guyana Police Force to investigate the matter thoroughly and to take whatever action is appropriate under the law.
“No one should be above the law, regardless of the office they hold,” Mahipaul added.
The opposition MP also disclosed that he intends to submit a formal written statement to investigators and has asked MPs Juretha Vanessa Fernandes and Nima Flue-Bess, who he said witnessed the exchange, to provide statements as well.
A photograph accompanying his statement was reportedly taken by a friend who accompanied him to the police station.
An anonymous political commentator, speaking on condition of anonymity, said one would have expected the embattled minister to display greater contrition amid the intense scrutiny surrounding his ministry in recent weeks. “Instead,” the commentator said, “he appears sufficiently empowered to allegedly threaten a sitting Member of Parliament.”
