Restriction of my travel without Court order or allegation of criminal conduct requires explanation

Dear Editor,

I refer to the publication in the Kaieteur News of 27th October 2020 `Fired anti-narcotics officer, woman hauled off of flight’.

The article raises a number of issues that misrepresent the facts and sensationalizes routine business challenges.

I am the founder and Managing Director of OPSEC INTERNATIONAL (GUYANA) INC. Since its founding OPSEC has become in a short time a leading security services provider serving large and medium-sized businesses looking for effective, technology-based security solutions.

As with other rapidly growing businesses, OPSEC has made some hires that have proven to be disappointing. This is not a unique business problem. Guyana Revenue Authority has made inquiries about our VAT returns which are being addressed by OPSEC’s new internal accounting personnel and external accountants and attorneys. OPSEC prides itself on being a responsible corporate citizen and I am anxious to have the tax authority’s inquiries resolved fairly and expeditiously.

My travel to the United States which was reported in the KN publication was previously scheduled for an important personal medical engagement, the interruption of which is a matter of grave concern. The restriction of my travel without any Court order or allegation of personal criminal conduct requires some explanation. It is not clear whether this is a new policy being applied by the Authority to restrain the owners of all businesses whose tax affairs are the subject of enquiry or whether I have been singled out for special treatment. This should be a matter which alarms all citizens and is as perplexing as the newspaper’s decision to sensationalize this event.

In any event, my attorney advises me that the interference with my travel was unlawful and ultra vires the fundamental right of movement enshrined in the Guyana Constitution. I intend to seek short term redress so that I can travel and to challenge the unlawful actions by the Immigration Department.

The KN  report contains negative connotations about the end of my engagement as the Deputy Director of the National Anti-Narcotics Agency. The new Government has decided as it is entitled to do, that this entity does not meet its anti-narcotics strategy and has disbanded it. Like all my former colleagues, I have been notified that my services are no longer required. To describe this as being “fired” is intended to suggest that my engagement ended because of misconduct and is intended to denigrate my character.

Yours faithfully,

Leon Carr, II

Managing Director

OPSEC International (Guyana) Inc.