Guyana Health Minister Bheri Ramsaran (Credit: GINA)
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Wednesday April 22, 2015, CMC – Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran has apologized to an anti-government rights activist acknowledging that he had used “harsh words’ to her after being provoked into anger.
Media reports had earlier indicated that Dr. Ramsaran had “cursed the female anti-government activist and thought of slapping and having her stripped.
“Ramsaran was also heard telling Sherlina Nageer that she was a “little piece of shit,” and an “idiot”,” an online publication reported.
In a brief statement on Tuesday night, the Health Minister said he had on Monday joined a group of peaceful persons at Whim Magistrate’s Court to give solidarity to former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who was facing a private criminal charge.
“As I was about to depart two journalists sought an interview with me on the matter at hand to which I readily agreed. During the interview I was rudely interrupted by a woman who kept shouting and interrupting me throughout.”
“I shifted away on several occasions in an attempt to avoid her but she persisted in interrupting the interview. It was unfortunate that I was provoked into anger and uttered harsh words at her for which I now regret,” Dr. Ramsaran said, adding “I therefore wish to apologize for uttering those words”.
Guyana is preparing for a general election on May 11 and the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is facing a strong challenge from the coalition alliance of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC).