In a statement, the outgoing Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud unequivocally removed himself from reports which allege that he was involved with a young female inappropriately which led to his removal from the ministerial post.
The minister said, "I, Ganga Persaud have noted with deep shock, 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.
He continued, 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. These allegations are seriously libelous and are causing me and my family severe public humiliation, embarrassment and trauma."
To this end, Persaud has requested that media entities circulating any false, malicious and libelous articles put an end to it immediately.
"I have instructed my lawyers to proceed with litigation against every person, entity or company who continues to publish, or repeat the publication of these baseless, malicious and libelous allegations."
The statement was issued by Persaud hours after the PPP/C press conference yesterday, which would have confirmed presidential influence as it relates to his resignation.
Persaud tendered his resignation last Thursday citing personal reasons, but sources have indicated that the minister was made to tender his resignation by President Donald Ramotar.
This was later confirmed by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary at the party’s press conference on Monday January 27, 2014.
