- Ramjattan

AFC Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan has described the offer of a $25 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the arsonist/s responsible for the torching of the Health Ministry as a “dangerous” development.

Speaking on Friday at the opening of the party’s Second Delegates Convention, Ramjattan referred to the reward announced by President Bharrat Jagdeo hours after the fire as an “extremely mediocre and incompetent” approach, particularly before the commencement of an investigation. He also warned that it could see persons who are hoping to claim “the bounty” accusing other persons, possibly leading to police beatings, referencing past torture allegations.

City resident Troy Small has alleged that he was questioned about the ministry fire and tortured by a group of men including one uniformed GDF rank early Monday morning, and was later deposited at the Alberttown Police Station. Relatives of Small said he is in poor health and “suffering a lot” but is afraid to be admitted to the public hospital. Small has maintained that he has no knowledge of the attack on the ministry.

Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon said later that Small’s allegations were raised at an emergency meeting and the police have denied any involvement in the beating. “We were assured that a report will be provided as to the allegations and findings. I await the results of the report,” Luncheon said.

The Cabinet Secretary said too that the final investigative report from the police is incomplete, adding that there is no guarantee from the police as to when the report would be available.