Apology

A report relating to Minister Ashni Singh’s car accident on February 23 which was published in the March 1 edition of Stabroek News carried the headline ‘Special protocol followed when senior gov’t officials involved in traffic accidents  -Crime Chief.’

The term ‘special protocol’ was subsequently repeated in a story which was carried in our March 18 edition.

The March 1 report was based on a press conference held by the disciplined services, following which Crime Chief Seelall Persaud answered questions on the police handling of Minister Ashni Singh’s matter.

During the exchanges with reporters he did not use the words ‘special protocol.’ Instead he spoke of “longstanding traditions,” when referring to cases involving the most senior government officials and members of the Joint Services being sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

He went on to mention “precedence in dealing with these matters,” and then said: “I think there is something in the standing orders as well.”

Stabroek News apologizes for conveying the impression that Mr Persaud used the words ‘special protocol’ and regrets any embarrassment this may have caused him.