| Treason in Guyana is one of two very serious offences that are punishable by death – the other being murder.Almost three months ago, on March 28, army officer, Major Bruce Munroe, his wife, Carol-Ann Munroe, and former army reserve officer, Leonard Wharton, were freed of a treason charge with which they were jointly charged.A little over one month after the matter was discharged, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) reinstated Munroe.Kaieteur News understands that Munroe was requested to resume his duties in the country’s defence force and to continue in the position he held prior to the charge being brought against him. In a telephone interview, Munroe confirmed that the GDF via mail had requested his services. He said that on May 11 he received a letter from the army dated May 4. Its contents, he said, read that the writer had been directed to inform him that “the status at reference A has been lifted effective April 16, as a consequence of the completion of the matter brought against you in a civil court”.It was also indicated that his salary would be regularized and part of his monthly salary withheld for January 2011 would be paid over. The correspondence further revealed that all access to GDF bases would be restored.Major Munroe explained that although he was never notified or received a formal letter stating the withdrawal of the army benefits, he accepted the letter.Immediately after, Munroe said he applied for leave and was granted same. The 20-year army veteran is yet to state his acceptance to the army’s offer. He however stated during a previous interview that it would be rather uncomfortable to work in an environment where he is not trusted and where he does not trust anyone.During the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the allegations against the trio, two main witnesses were identified. Dishonourably discharged GDF rank Quincy Critchlow provided the evidence against the accused and Army Lieutenant Colonel Sydney James kept the information presented by Critchlow. He said his designation provided for him to keep tabs on those breaching the rules of the GDF and by extension, finding an army official committing treason fell in his jurisdiction.The duo was instrumental in leading information against the accused.The evidence led in the 14-month PI assumed that the GDF had played a significant role in monitoring the three accused as they conducted their alleged aim of waging war against the Guyana Government. The witnesses had stated that they had electronic evidence, visual and audio.Major Munroe said that to date no such information that the GDF had played a role in the investigation has surfaced. That, he said, would be highly unlikely, since the said institution has requested his service. Munroe said that at the time of his arrest, a short time after, senior members of the army had visited him to clarify the matter being brought against him. He said the ranks had told him that should he need the army’s assistance he should ask, but the matter was before the court and justice had to take its course.When asked, Major Munroe mentioned that another issue that stuck out was that no investigation had been launched to ascertain the truth and motive behind the allegations brought against the three accused.Munroe said he was not questioned by army officials and neither was he told of disciplinary action. In his view, the GDF played no part in presenting evidence against the three persons, and he opined that the army was never aware of him being charged for such a grave offence.Attempts by this publication to contact Chief of Staff Commodore Gary Best provided futile. His secretary said he was chairing a meeting and it was unclear when he would be available.On March 28, the charge against the three accused was dismissed by Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry. The Magistrate had found that enough evidence did not exist for the trio to stand trial in the Supreme Court. Apart from that,China NFL Jerseys, their Attorney, Nigel Hughes, had argued that the police had placed “a bogus charge” on the trio, since the particulars of the offence was not known to law. (Zena Henry ) |
