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House Speaker denies sexual molestation; calls for “thorough and professional” probe ; AFC links accusation to no-confidence motion

Last Updated on Sunday, 21 September 2014, 15:17 by GxMedia

House Speaker Raphael Trotman

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman on Sunday denied sexually molesting a man who has levelled such accusations on Facebook.

“As a true patriot of Guyana, I will not allow the office of Speaker of the National Assembly to be compromised or be denigrated by false accusations for political expediency.  There is absolutely no truth in the allegation, and I am confident that the masterminds and supporters of this dastardly plot will soon be exposed. 

I call for a thorough and professional investigation into this scurrilous allegation,” said Trotman.

Demerara Waves Online News was told that the accuser has also given a recorded interview to a State-owned media house.

Following is  the House Speaker’s statement.

A malicious and unfounded allegation of sexual molestation has been made against me by an unstable young man who sadly, appears to have a troubled mind.I categorically deny his wicked assertions. 

Unfortunately, he seems to have been conveniently encouraged by manipulative and diabolic political forces. Conveniently, such scandalous assertions are obviously intended to provide a timely distraction from the serious prevailing political situation in Guyana, which imminently requires me as Speaker of the National Assembly to guide the ship of the nation’s parliament  through the strongest test  to Guyana’s constitutional democracy: the debate of a no confidence motion.

As a true patriot of Guyana, I will not allow the office of Speaker of the National Assembly to be compromised or be denigrated by false accusations for political expediency.  There is absolutely no truth in the allegation, and I am confident that the masterminds and supporters of this dastardly plot will soon be exposed.

I call for a thorough and professional investigation into this scurrilous allegation.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

           Raphael Trotman
Speaker of the House of Parliament

Trotman’s Alliance For Change (AFC) has also issued a separate statement, standing by its co-founder and charging that the allegation of sexual molestation was aimed at derailing that party’s no-confidence motion against the government.

“Further this accusation, the party views, as another desperate and reprehensible attempt to disrupt the tabling of the No Confidence Motion when Parliament resumes in October.”

According to that party, this latest accusation is part the intensification of the heinous campaign of desperation in attempting to besmirch and tarnish the party and its leaders.

“The AFC is now in receipt of information that a completely fabricated accusation of sexual abuse of a minor is being initiated against one of its senior members Raphael Trotman. The party views this as an attempt to create mischief by manufacturing a falsified public impression of the party of its official,” said the party which has tabled a no-confidence motion in the House.

The AFC called on the known supporters and members of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) to desist from colluding with persons who have been obviously induced to fabricate these claims.

“The AFC condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the reprehensible exploitation of this, such a heinous crime against minors, for political purposes,” added the AFC.

That party suggested that the accusation levelled against Trotman The Guyanese was part of a campaign of attacks and vilifications of its leaders which has been waged openly perpetuated by known political elements and provocateurs acting on behalf of those to whom they are beholden.

The allegation of sexual misconduct against the Speaker came days after the AFC’s Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan said the ruling party was preparing to buy out three opposition parliamentarians for GUY$30 million each. Government and the ruling party have since rejected  Ramjattan’s claim and called on him to name the MPs and produce the evidence.

The party has brought to the public’s attention the plans to induce parliamentarians to not support the motion which has caused such plans to be completely derailed. The AFC’s action in bringing this matter to the public attention has exposed the wicked intentions and caused disgrace and embarrassment to those who have initiated it.

The party says it notes with interest that the Government Chief Whip, Presidential Advisor and former Minister of Home Affairs, Ms. Gail Teixeira has written to Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Raphael Trotman urging him to sanction AFC Leader Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan.

The AFC views this action as an integral element of the political maneuverings to attack the credibility and stature of the National Assembly of which the minority PPP government has lost control.

The AFC condemns, in the strongest possible terms, this latest desperate tactic which is aimed ultimately at averting the dreadfully feared No Confidence motion.