Welshman to answer gag order in 10 days

Johnny Welshman exiting the Chambers of the Chief Justice

Trotman sodomy allegations:

Johnny Welshman, the young man who has accused Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman of sexually assaulting him when he was younger, has been given 10 days to respond in an affidavit to claims that he made libellous statements against Trotman.

On Wednesday, acting Chief Justice Ian Chang granted Welshman leave to file his affidavit in response to a gag order and lawsuit filed against him by Trotman after he came forward with the revelations late last month.

The injunction prevents Welshman from making further allegations against Trotman or repeating the allegations in public domain.

Trotman is being represented by Alliance For Change (AFC) Chairman, Attorney Nigel Hughes, while Welshman appeared on behalf of himself.

According to Welshman, he was also advised by Chang to seek legal representation.

Questioned by the media following an in-camera hearing, Welshman said he was prepared to face the law if his case fell through. He said he has confidence that the law will rule in his favour given the overwhelming evidence he has.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman

He noted too that he was prepared to take his case to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and thereafter, the Privy Council, if he fails in his bid to have Trotman held responsible for his alleged atrocities.

“I am ready big time; I am ready to go to the CCJ or the Privy Council; I am ready for the fight,” remarked Welshman.

He also dispelled concerns that his actions might have some political motivations, pointing out that if that was the case, he would have had a barrage of attorneys with him when he went to court. He opined, however, that the notion that he was being politically motivated was being put out there simply to “shove the issue under the rug”.

Again, Welshman affirmed that he had met with several sections of the media and journalists who refused to hear his pleas, but he plans to expose them in due time.

Welshman had told Guyana Times that he had met with Kaieteur News Editor Adam Harris and spoke with a reporter, but the media house refused to carry his story, asking him to wait until a later date to come forward.

“If it comes to a point where I have to expose journalists and who and who and who, I will do it,” a defiant Welshman said.

A Yarrowkabra, Linden Highway man was now in Police custody, as he was one of the persons implicated in the assault allegations made by Welshman.

A Division (Georgetown) Commander Clifton Hicken had told this newspaper that the suspect is being questioned by members of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

He said that since the report was lodged, an investigation was launched, while disclosing that there were no eyewitnesses to support the young man’s claims.

As such, charges are not likely to be instituted at this stage. There have been reports circulating that the Speaker of the National Assembly will be charged as well.

Guyana Times understands that Welshman, would have accompanied a detective from the CID to Yarrowkabra on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway where he pointed out the house and creek where he was molested.

The suspect reportedly refused to cooperate with the Police and allegedly told Welshman ,“You could have come to me first.”

Trotman on Tuesday avoided answering questions on the shocking child molestation allegations against him during a news conference at his office.

He had said earlier that “unfortunately, Welshman seems to have been conveniently encouraged by manipulative and diabolic political forces.

“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,” he said.