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In the latest episode of *Speaking Out*, retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe and retired Senior Superintendent Clinton Conway raised concerns over the handling of a firearm allegedly used in an assault involving social media commentator Mikhail “Guyanese Critic” Rodrigues. During the discussion, both former officials questioned why Rodrigues’ firearm license and weapon have not yet been lodged or reviewed in relation to the charges against him.
Rodrigues and Brian Persaud, an electrician from Berbice, face assault charges from a September 30 incident at Montra Lounge and Bar, where Rodrigues allegedly assaulted Persaud with a firearm, causing facial injuries. Rodrigues denies the assault claim, instead alleging that Persaud instigated the altercation by striking him with a glass bottle. Both men have pleaded not guilty and were released on bail, with Rodrigues posting $100,000 and Persaud $75,000. They were set to reappear in court on October 28.
Slowe emphasized that, by procedure, Rodrigues’ gun should have been lodged as an exhibit in the case, especially given the allegations that the firearm was involved in the assault. “The allegation is that the firearm was used to inflict the grievous bodily harm on Brian Persaud,” Slowe explained. He questioned the lack of updates from authorities on whether proper steps had been taken with Rodrigues’ weapon, saying, “The journalists and reporters should ask… what is the position with the firearm license or the firearm itself?”
Conway further questioned the judgment in issuing a firearm license to Rodrigues, citing the public persona and temperament displayed by Rodrigues on social media. “You’re going to put a firearm in this man’s name, and then to compound it, [there is an] allegation that he lashed a man with a firearm,” Conway remarked. He added that, if the allegations are true, the authorities should follow due process by “writing him and asking him to show cause why the firearm license should not be revoked.”
The retired officers also expressed concern over the lack of response or official action on the matter. Conway remarked on the apparent “wall of silence” surrounding the case, questioning whether Rodrigues was receiving “preferential treatment.” Citing George Orwell’s *Animal Farm*, he suggested that Rodrigues might be viewed as “untouchable” under current authorities.
Slowe reiterated that natural justice must apply, stressing that there is a clear process for dealing with firearm licenses in cases where they are used in alleged crimes. He noted, “You have every reason to take it now… lodge it as an exhibit and initiate the process for him to explain… give him the chance to answer, give him the chance to explain himself.”
Slowe and Conway called on authorities to ensure the proper handling of the case, urging them to conduct a thorough investigation and to consider revoking Rodrigues’ firearm license if the allegations prove valid. Slowe concluded by saying, “I hope they do the right thing.”
The commentary from Slowe and Conway raises ongoing questions about the handling of firearm-related incidents and how authorities ensure that proper procedures are observed for the sake of justice and public safety.
