Nandlall clears air on audio recording

– calls it an “unexpected betrayal”

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall on Tuesday before professional staff of the Advice, Litigation and Drafting Departments and members of the senior management of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, clarified a number of issues in relation to the much-talked about audio recording.

In his address he maintained that the audio that was leaked by publisher of the Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall was selected portions of a private conversation which was recorded unknowing to him and which was manipulated, distorted and made public.

The AG has since filed a Gy$30M lawsuit against Lall for libel. He expressed the hope that the proceedings will examine and determine the legality and authenticity of the recording, as well as the liabilities, if any.

“I have no doubt that the appropriate authorities would send the recording for proper forensic analysis…This entire episode has caused me and my family great embarrassment, personal distress and tremendous pain. I am truly sorry that you, my political colleagues, and the general public had to endure this highly regrettable ordeal,” he said.

This “unexpected betrayal” he said has served as a distraction for Guyana at a time when there are significant and substantial issues that require citizens’ collective focused attention

The Legal Affairs Minister said that while the State has the sacred responsibility for creating and nurturing an enabling environment for a free press, the free press has an equally sacred responsibility to the highest ethical standards as they operate in that free environment.

He noted that he, like many other members of the public, has fallen victim of an unethical journalist and an unprincipled newspaper operating in a free environment.

“Our Government has from the inception recognised, embraced, cherished and actively promoted press freedom in all its forms and facets. We regard press freedom as a fundamental freedom and right which is enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana. We view freedom of the press as the cornerstone of our democracy,” the AG said.

With regards to claims of threats to the publisher and staff of the Kaieteur News, he said that, “I am unaware of any planned violence or extra-judicial sanction against any individual journalist or any newspaper… Our Government does not condone or promote violence in any form or at any level.”

He reminded of the Government’s work in developing legislation to tackle violence in all forms and at every level including the protection of women and children from domestic violence.

As it relates to his reference to a certain female in the recording he said that, “I wish to assure all women in Guyana of my highest respect and to promise that I will continue to struggle for their rights and respect wherever there remain gaps in the treatment of women in our society.”

The disclosure of a financial transaction in the audio recording was also clarified. “The reference relates to the reimbursement I received for monies I expended on medical treatment. This reimbursement was approved by Cabinet in a written Cabinet decision dated 20 June 2013. This is, and historically has been, an entitlement of every member of Cabinet long before my appointment.”