In our Wednesday edition we reported that last Sunday, a minister of government entered a bar in Montrose, East Coast Demerara, at about 1 am. There he espied a lady with whom he had previously had a relationship in the company of Mr Joseph Doodnauth. He is reported to have asked her why she was there with Mr Doodnauth, a question to which the latter and not the lady, is said to have replied. An argument then ensued which evolved into a fight. Mr Doodnauth subsequently left the bar and was on his way home when the minister allegedly hit him down with his vehicle, and then stood over him with a gun discharging shots, none of which hit him.

This newspaper was told by a police source that residents in the area had called the Sparendaam Police Station and that ranks had responded. They took Mr Doodnauth to the hospital, and they also took statements from the minister and witnesses. At his Friday press conference, Dr Roger Luncheon told reporters that the police on the East Coast had conducted an investigation into the incident, and had submitted a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice. That is the good news, since one can only presume that now the matter has gone this far, charges will indeed be instituted.

Somewhat confusingly, however, the Cabinet Secretary went on to say that the information which had been provided so far, “seems to suggest that the police and the party involved are addressing the matter