The Guyana Empowered Peoples Action Network (GEPAN) has received information that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has recommended charges against Regional Executive Officer for Region 9, Carl Parker, pursuant to the allegations of sexual harassment made by Lethem Deputy Mayor, Maxine Anne Welch.
According to information reaching us, Lethem Police proceeded to arrest Parker at his office yesterday, February 7, but the REO refused to cooperate.
Parker is scheduled to appear in Court tomorrow in Georgetown, to answer to the charges laid before him.
After the numerous complaints of sexual harassment and a petition signed by twelve hundred (1200) Amerindians of the Rupununi almost a year ago, GEPAN welcomes the decision to render Parker accountable before the Law.
No political appointee or member of Government should benefit from impunity from the Law. The DPP’s decision brings hope for victims of sexual abuse and women’s rights violations in Guyana.
Since 2015 our organisation has beenspeaking out against the multiple allegations of violations of indigenous and women’s rights perpetrated by Carl Parker, and we are satisfied to finally see that a step is being taken by the DPP in the right direction to afford justice to victims.
It is our concern that the victim is being pressured by the members of the governing political party of which she is a member. Subsequently, we call on the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Social Protection to allow the Law to run its course without political interference.
We call on all victims who suffered at Parker’s hands come forward and speak out to obtain justice and reparation.
It is our belief that Parker should be suspended from his position as REO pending the trial, and removed from his position as a senior political appointee once convicted.
Once again, and on behalf of the people of the Rupununi who looked to us for help, we applaud the DPP’s decision. We also commend Maxine Welch for her determination in her quest for justice and give her our full support throughout this trial.
Let justice prevail!
Anna Correia
President
Guyana Empowered Peoples Action Network (GEPAN)