Parliamentarians from both sides of the benches were in an uproar on Wednesday (yesterday) after the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change’s (APNU+AFC) parliamentarian, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley alleged that she was struck to her head with a cellular phone by Public Affairs Minister Kwame Mc Coy.
This claim eventually led to the suspension of yesterday’s sitting of the National Assembly and Minister Mc Coy has outright denied such an accusation by Halley.
See full statement from the Minister below:
“I, Warren Kwame McCoy, African male of 336 Section A, Diamond, EBD, age 45,
make this statement in response to an allegation of assault made by Ms. Tabitha Sarabo-Halley against me today at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
I emphatically and completely deny that I assaulted Ms. Halley as she has
alleged or at all. At no time did I touch Ms. Halley with my phone or any
part of my body.
At the time in question, outside the Parliament Chamber, I had just completed a verbal exchange with Mr. Keith Lowenfield, who attended the Committee of Supply. After Mr. Lowenfield’s departure, I began to speak with Minister Anand Persaud. I observed the presence of Ms. Halley, who was approximately four feet away from me. We exchanged words, but there was absolutely no physical contact whatsoever.
Minister Persaud was present with me at all material time.
Ms. Halley’s allegation is totally false, malicious and intended to cause me embarrassment and public ridicule.
I am seeking the advice of my attorneys-at-law on the way forward.
I urge the Guyana Police Force to fully investigate this matter and institute the necessary charges against Ms. Halley, and I am prepared to
prosecute any charges vigorously.
Additionally, I have observed certain libellous publications on social media by Ms. Halley of and concerning me, and I have advised my lawyers to take all requisite action.”
