Cabinet met on Friday, April 08, 2005 and examined the report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into allegations of Ministerial involvement in Extra-Judicial Killings.

You would recall that I appointed the Presidential Commission of Inquiry on May 14, 2004, in accordance with Chapter 19:03 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act. According to the terms of reference, the Commission would determine whether, and to what extent, there was evidence of a credible nature to support the allegations that the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Ronald Gajraj, had been involved in promoting, directing or otherwise engaging in activities which involved the extra-judicial killing of persons. The Presidential Commission was chaired by Justice of Appeal, Mr. Ian Chang S.C., and comprised former Major General and Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Mr. Norman McLean and former Chancellor of Judiciary, Mr. Keith Massiah.

Minister Gajraj had requested to proceed on special leave in May 2004 to allow for the Inquiry to do its work.

The Commission determined its own procedures which were comprehensive, transparent, and consistent with international standards.

The work of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the allegations came to an end on March 31, 2005, and the Report was handed to me on April 04, 2005 signed by all three Commissioners. One of the commissioners also submitted a minority report or an addendum which on review did not conflict with the tenure and conclusion of the main report.

The Report found no `credible evidence’ of Minister Ronald Gajraj’s involvement in extra-judicial killings.

Cabinet has decided unanimously that from Monday, April 11, 2005, the Minister will resume his duties as Minister of Home Affairs.

I have also instructed that the entire report be sent to the Leader of the Opposition and the media for dissemination to the public. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs will also be tabling the Report in the National Assembly for its attention.

The Cabinet discussed the recommendations contained in the Report with a view to urgently implement them. For example, changes will be made to the process for the issuance of fire-arm licences.

I wish to thank the Commission for its work which was done in a very difficult environment because the issue was politically charged. The credibility and abilities of the Commissioners are unquestionable. I want to thank them for the openness of the process. They conducted public hearings and even extended the time span of the Inquiry on several occasions, so as to allow people to present whatever evidence they might have had.

As such, the Government expects that individuals and groups will respect the conclusions of the Report. Comments to the contrary would embolden the Opposition’s campaign of misrepresentation.

 

April 8, 2005