Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon told reporters today that President Donald Ramotar does not need to apologise to the nation or the Opposition members since he did not accuse them of being terrorists.
On Thursday last, the parliamentary opposition voted down two legislative instruments linked to the Amaila Falls Hydro Project. Following this, the President addressed the nation the next day on the issue.
During his pre – recorded television address to the nation, the President did not use the word “terrorism.”
However, in his transcript, which was sent out by the Government Information Agency (GINA), the headline of the President’s speech stated, “Opposition July 18th defeat of Amaila Bill and Motion –An act of terrorism against the development of Guyana”.
This headline was also carried by the Guyana Chronicle.
According to Dr. Luncheon, the content of the President’s address to the nation was misunderstood and misread.
“The notion that he called the leaders and members of the Opposition terrorists remains on the table top…the President has insisted that he never did. And he says, ‘get the records, get the correspondence, get the transcript of what I actually said’,” the Cabinet Secretary said.
He added, “I don’t believe that the President could be as confused as the Opposition as to what he said. There is no need for an apology.”
According to Dr. Luncheon, “Errors have been made but to accuse the President of using those words is a gross error…”
The Cabinet Secretary explained that the President himself has spoken to members of the Opposition and told them that he did not make such remarks.
Yesterday, members of the opposition walked out of a parliamentary select committee meeting until the President withdraws the statement.
