Denial

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Jan 28, CMC – Outgoing Local Government and Regional Development Minister Ganga Persaud has denied media reports that he tendered his resignation from the Guyana government because of allegations of sexual misconduct.

“I wish to make it abundantly and unequivocally clear that I have had no sexual relations with any minor as is alleged or at all. Neither was such an allegation raised or discussed with me by His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar,” Persaud said in a statement.

When he announced his resignation earlier this month, Persaud said it was due to “personal issues presently engaging my attention as well as some additional responsibilities to which I am committed”.

But there have been various online news reports concerning the sexual misconduct allegations and Persaud in his statement said he had become aware of “reports circulating particularly in the social media which tend to suggest and in some instances allege, expressly or by implication, that I had sexual intercourse of some sort with a minor”.

Persaud, who demits office on January 31, said the allegations were seriously libellous and causing him and his family severe public humiliation, embarrassment and trauma.