Another five deported THE Office of the Commissioner

Odessa Phillips, Miss Guyana Universe 2004, poses for New York fashion photographer Fadil Berisha in Quito, Ecuador at the JW Marriott Hotel on May 14, 2004. Ms. Phillips is in Quito to compete with 80 other beauties for the title of Miss Universe 2004 at the 53rd annual Miss Universe competition on June 1. (Miss Universe L.P., LLLP photo)". (photo of her lying down)

Tuesday, May 18, 2004

The PNCR wants an inquiry, now what!
IN SPITE of the allegations against Minister Gajraj being unsubstantiated, spokespersons for the Government, from the start stated their support of an inquiry through the normal way, that is, by the Guyana Police Force.

However, such an inquiry was stymied because the chief person who made the allegation refused to give any statement to the police, and the opposition and others opposed to the government seem to have been satisfied with trying and convicting the Minister in certain sections of the media and the main opposition party, the PNC/R seized upon the matter to indulge in political maneuverings, and securing public attention.

The opposition, long suspected of links with the criminal community to further their political agenda, and responsibility for assassinations and other deaths in and out of government, jumped at what they saw as a convenient opportunity, to deflect suspicion and attention from themselves on to the administration.

Now that the Minister has indicated to the President that he is willing to go on leave, because of the very weak claim that somehow or the other, his presence on the job would prevent a proper investigation, the wind has been knocked out of the sails of the PNC/R and they are already scampering around to raise even further problems such as to who is to be on any Commission of Inquiry, what powers they should have, and how they should conduct their proceedings.

Perhaps afraid of what may come out in any inquiry, they are already laying the groundwork, to prevent the selection of any person or persons to conduct such an inquiry.

Remember, they have a lot of experience in conducting inquiries, such as into the electric power barge.
Yours faithfully,
Fiona Samuels