21st August 2020
Dear Editor,
An apology is owed to Christopher Jones and a more mature approach to sensitive issues adopted.
The facts are that Chris Jones applied for a grant from the Ministry of Social Services and was awarded $4.9 Million to equip a Barbershop and employ twenty persons. Equipment was purchased and delivered to Jones as the 'beneficiary' of a government grant. The project was delayed and the equipment was retained by the legal owner (Jones). An audit revealed that the items were all together and not sold or disposed of in any way.
To make a charge of larceny because the project has not materialized is ludicrous in extremis and certainly not a position any reasonable person can support. Whatever the reason for the project stalling, and there are numerous to choose from; NCM or endless political campaigning since December 21, 2018, for example. What then should be the approach?
I would suggest that:
1. Someone from a relevant Ministry reaches out to Jones and offers to assist with the establishment of the Barbershop business.
2. Should Jones not be interested in the project at this stage, he be asked to return the equipment voluntarily.
3. There is no case to be made for larceny or any other illegality and that must be discontinued immediately.
4. The Guyana Police Force needs to carefully consider its actions and professionalism, their actions on the night of the 20th August does not do them credit.
Respectfully
Robin Singh
