Rohee divorces PPP/C from government following alleged solar panels repossession

Last Updated on Monday, 4 May 2015, 21:28 by GxMedia

A solar panel being handed over to an interior resident (GINA/file photo)

by Zena Henry

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C), Clement Rohee has refuted the organisation’s involvement or consent in the Port Kaituma matter which alleges that residents had their government-issued solar panels taken away because they were believed to be supporting opposition party, A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition.

Rohee during his regular press briefing at Freedom House on Robb Street May 4 did not deny the incident but noted that the matter would be one involving the government and not the PPP/C. He told media workers that they must keep the distinction between the two entities, after explaining that he would not be aware of what takes place at government level in regard to this matter.

It is alleged that the Region 1 location of Port Kaituma, particularly Citrus Grove were being demanded to return solar panels issued by the PPP/C government after they would have reportedly indicated support for the opposition.

When asked about the matter, Rohee said, “I can’t speak on matters like that which I do not have the facts on.” He said, “Solar panels were not given out by the PPP, they were given out by the government, that’s a government matter.”

The GS said he is not aware that the PPP as a political party sends out its members to engage in matters involving government. “You have to make the distinction,” he said, “We don’t involve our party activists in those matters…”

It is understood that members of the police force became involved in the government’s alleged solar panel recovery mission, but residents did not take the matter lightly. The panels were handed out based on promises government made years ago about aiding the interior communities with their electricity problem.

Demerara Waves understands that the community was being asked to return the panels since they were now receiving power from the Port Kaituma Power Company. They have refused however saying that electricity from the company is not reliable and solar panels are not being requested from another location despite that area also receiving electricity from the power company.

Some 100 persons were said to have received the apparatus.