Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan has announced that Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), Carl Parker has been off the job for over one week and that a replacement REO has since been installed.
During an interview with the Government Information Agency, the Minister disputed reports in some sections of the media that Parker was still on the job.
According to Bulkan, Kerwin Ward, formerly of the Region Three administration has assumed the responsibility of acting REO of Region Nine. Ward has been with the Region Three administration for over 20 years and his last substantial position within the Region Three office was Field Auditor.
Parker was on Thursday, February 9, charged for allegedly sexually assaulting one of the region’s elected officials. The sexual assault charge was read to him as he appeared before a Magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Following this, Minister Bulkan had informed the media that following the institution of the charge against Parker, he would be interdicted from duty with immediate effect.
It is alleged that Parker, 53, of Cenotaph Boulevard, Lethem, Region Nine, had sexually assaulted a young lady on June 13, 2016 at Yupukari, Central Rupununi, during a village outreach he had hosted. The REO pleaded not guilty.
He appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman, who read the charge in-camera before granting him bail in the sum of G$200,000.
Speaking with reporters outside the courtroom, Parker’s lawyer, Attorney-at-Law Jerome Khan sought to poke holes in the allegation made against his client, questioning the fact that the incident was only reported in December of 2016 and not when it had reportedly occurred in June.
The defence attorney also pointed out that following this alleged assault, the Virtual Complainant maintained a friendly relationship with Parker, and even visited his home on many occasions.
Khan had told media operatives previously that the accused was a victim and his situation was a “perfect political storm”, intended to remove Parker from his position.
Govt failed to act
During a press conference held earlier this month, Opposition Leader BharratJagdeo accused Government of failing to discipline Parker against whom several similar allegations have been made.
“This Government has serious problems with professionals, particularly young professionals and particularly women. So in (Region Nine, an education official) complained about the (alleged) predatory behaviour of the (official). And it was swept under the carpet,” Jagdeo had stated.
He continued, “Then the (municipal official) complained that she was sexually molested by the same person. It was reported to everyone, including the Minister. The President is aware of it. They try to sweep it under the carpet again.”
At least two arms of the People’s Progressive Party have since come out in solidarity with the alleged victim. These groups – the Women’s Progressive Organisation and Progressive Youth Organisation of Region Nine – expressed admiration for the boldness of the Virtual Complainant in coming forward.
