Guyana’s embattled High Commissioner to India Charrandas Persaud has resigned after the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) led administration expressed no confidence in him continuing in his post after public uproar over his conduct. A lewd and expletive-filled video when viral on social media recently of Persaud vilifying a woman in India who went to his residence inquiring about a dog she usually gives food to.
The woman, an Animal Rights Activist and an Associate Professor in the Department of English, CVS, Delhi University, related in a statement to the Station House Officer, Vasant Kunj South, New Delhi that she regularly feeds street dogs in the area where Guyana’s High Commissioner lives. The statement said, “On the evening of 1st August, 2021, the undersigned was out to feed the stray dogs along with her driver and 02 helpers as per routine and that on the said Road the undersigned regularly feeds a dog owned by the gardener of the harasser (Persaud).
The woman had enquired at the residence from security the whereabouts of the dog and was in the process of leaving she was allegedly attacked verbally by Persaud. “The moment the undersigned exited the premises from the gate, she heard someone behind her shouting, “Fuck You” “Bitch” “Fuck off”. The undersigned was startled by the sudden abuses”. Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was adamant yesterday that the matter was “fully investigated” and “allegations of sexual abusive words to the complainant has [sic] not been substantiated” and as such the ministry considers the matter closed.
However, today installed President Irfaan Ali said in a Facebook Live broadcast that in a phone call with the High Commissioner last night, Persaud stated, “the video is not a full reflection of what took place, for a matter of fact he informed me that the video was not completely demonstrating exactly what took place.”
The Head of State said he explained to the High Commissioner that “representatives of our country must in all the cases and on every occasion, conduct themselves in the highest order, and regard. Mr. Persaud then communicated to me that this matter was dealt with by relevant agencies and authorities in India, and that there was no evidence of any misconduct, and for a matter of fact, he was cleared of any accusation of sexual harassment. He also shared with me the letter that substantiated this statement.”
Ali stated, “Notwithstanding all of this, Mr. Charrandas has agreed with me that in keeping with the best interests of the country, and image of Guyana, that he would return home from his posting in India”.
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