Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
No criminal charges for Trotman – DPP advises
House Speaker, Raphael Trotman
By Abena Rockcliffe
While efforts to contact the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack proved futile, incumbent Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman yesterday confirmed that the DPP has advised the Guyana Police Force not to institute charges against him.
Trotman indicated that he was informed, on Wednesday, by his legal team, that the Office of the DPP advised that there are no grounds to charge him based on the child molestation allegations. He said that the DPP has also advised that the investigations be closed.
A few months back, a young Guyanese who spent some time in Trinidad and Tobago-Johnny Welshman-made damning allegations against Trotman on his Facebook Page. The allegations were to the effect that the Speaker had sexual intercourse with him some ten years ago. Welshman then reported the alleged assault to the Police and investigations were carried out. Trotman, from the inception, categorically denied the allegations and opined that the young man, whom he vaguely knew, had to be mentally unstable.
Trotman and his Party -the Alliance For Change (AFC)-had also expressed the belief that the young man was motivated by politicians to make the libelous accusations against him in an effort to divert citizens’ attention from the real matters facing Guyana.
Johnny Welshman
The Speaker was forced to file an injunction which barred Welshman from publishing any material relating to allegations. Welshman had moved to the High Court, seeking to have the injunction, which was granted by the very court, discharged. However, he was unsuccessful.
Welshman was also ordered to remove all malicious content from his Facebook Page.
Welshman has made similar allegations about other men including his father.
In his Ex Parte Affidavit in support of the application for the injunction, Trotman has also sought damages in excess of $50 million for libel contained in statements allegedly made by Welshman and published in the local dailies – Stabroek News, Guyana Times – and on Welshman’s Facebook page.
In a public missive he released yesterday, Trotman said “I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude firstly, to God, for allowing me to be tested and for standing with me during this episode, and to those persons and organizations that were, and still are, unrelenting in their support to me, my family and the Constitutional Office which I hold, as Speaker of the National Assembly.”
He added, “I have resolved within myself that any position such as Speaker of the National Assembly will have its benefits – great opportunities to serve one’s country; in addition, it comes with grave burdens; particularly in the Guyana context. By virtue of accepting this job, I have submitted myself to accept the benefits as well as the burdens.
My enthusiasm to serve Guyana remains unwavering, as we enter another phase of our country’s development.”
When Kaieteur News contacted Trotman, he indicated that he would still be following through with the aforementioned court action.
The Attorney-at-Law noted that there were attempts to smear his character and he is not willing to let the matter merely dissolve.
Kaieteur News questioned the politician whether he maintains his opinion that Welshman’s allegations were politically orchestrated. He responded that he prefers not to dwell on that, but advised, “Review my previous statements; everything still stands.”
Asked if he was elated that the DPP decided against instituting charges against him at a time when Guyana is preparing for elections, Trotman said that the timing is of no significance to him or his Party. He said “I saw it for what it is”, and added that he has all assurances that the AFC is moving into elections in good standing.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Bureaucracy gone bananas!
…Peeping Tom kaieteur News- Every morning, the government wakes up, stretches its arms, and spends one billion dollars... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
