Former Health Minister will be charged in “slap and strip” episode -Crime Chief

Last Updated on Wednesday, 29 July 2015, 18:55 by GxMedia

by Zena Henry

Former Health Minister Bheri Ramsaran could be the next member of the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government to face the court; this time on a charge of abuse.

The information comes hours after the former Public Service Minister Jennifer Westford and one of her staff were charged for larceny and forgery. Ramsaran is expected however, to answer charges for utterances he made to female activist, Sherlina Nageer late last April, while the two were demonstrating different causes outside a Berbice Court.

Demerara Waves was reliably informed that it is highly possible that Ramsarran will face the court tomorrow on abuse charges, rather than threats. The news site was informed also that New Amsterdam; Berbice based- Anamayah and Anamayah Law Firm would be representing him. However, repeated calls to the firm’s listed number went unanswered.

In the meantime, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed to Demerara Waves Wednesday July 29 that Ramsaran will be charged. He said he could not say exactly when it will happen and asked for time to make checks, but noted that, “He will be charged.”

Ramsaran had told Nageer to “Shut your mouth and get out my face,” before claiming that he could have “slap her ass” or have his women “strip” her when she challenged him on former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s alleged abuse toward his wife.

Jagdeo was charged for what was described as race-hate incitement based on statements he made in the ancient county during a campaign rally speech. Accountant and lawyer Christopher Ram made the complaint against the former President which saw Ramsaran supporting Jagdeo and Nageer not.

Although Ramsaran has apologized in a carefully worded apology, Nageer was not moved saying that she felt the minister was not genuine. He was subsequently sacked by the then President Donald Ramotar; days before the 2015 general and regional elections.

A public outcry demanded discipline against Ramsaran as it was pointed out that it was not the first time the former minister had handled a woman in such a manner.