Minister of Human Service and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud yesterday stated that her ministry will stand by the findings of the investigations into alleged assault on opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Tabitha Sarabo-Halley.

Her comments followed an hour-long protest by APNU+AFC representatives who staged a protest outside of the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC) where the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MoHSSS) is currently hosting an exhibition in observance of International Women’s Day.

Last Wednesday, it was alleged that Minister of Public Affairs Kwame McCoy had assaulted Sarabo-Halley in the corridors of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre just outside the parliamentary proceedings which were taking place in the main conference hall.. McCoy later issued a statement denying he had assaulted Sarabo-Halley, the former minister of the public service.

An investigation has since been launched into the allegations.

APNU+AFC MP Christopher Jones, who was among the protestors, said that there has been deafening silence on the incident from Persaud and several other government ministers who claim to champion women rights. It was on this basis that they decided to protest outside of the ACCC.

Meanwhile, Sarabo-Halley, who was among the protestors, stated that it is time to start ensuring that abusers are held accountable for their actions. She stated that the physical abuse that she was allegedly subjected to on March 3rd is what many other women are going through in Guyana.

She noted tht physical violence usually ends in death and maiming, which is why it is critical to address all types of assault with urgency.

Meanwhile, during her remarks at the opening ceremony of the ‘We Lift’ event yesterday, Persaud said that the incident between Sarabo-Halley and McCoy gave rise to two different stories and added that an investigation was done on the night of the incident. “The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is committed to taking every report seriously and we will do so and we are committed to standing by the investigation carried out by the police,” she stated.

Police have submitted their findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.