Suriname’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Lackin has conveyed apologies on behalf of his government for the attempt by police to arrest a staff member on the premises of the Guyana Embassy, at Paramaribo, where Ambassador Keith George was also assaulted while trying to intervene.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Lackin’s apology was conveyed in correspondence that was received by Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.
“In the same communication, the Surinamese Foreign Minister assured that the Government of the Republic of Suriname has initiated a thorough investigation into the incident,” it said, while adding that Rodrigues-Birkett was also assured that appropriate remedial measures will be taken by Suriname and action will be taken to avoid the reoccurrence in the future.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that it remains committed to the continued deepening of the relations between Guyana and Suriname and is satisfied that both countries have been addressing the incident in a “mature, friendly and good neighbourly manner.”
The government last week voiced concern over the episode, while calling on Paramaribo to take action against the ranks for violating international diplomatic conventions.
According to a ministry statement, the incident stemmed from an altercation between a driver and the security guard at the Embassy around mid-morning on April 1st. The driver later assaulted the security guard during a confrontation and when Ambassador George’s chauffeur intervened, he was verbally abused by the angry motorist, who also exposed himself in public, it added.
After police were summoned they subsequently attempted to arrest George’s chauffeur.
George then informed both officers that they could not effect an arrest on the premises of an embassy and if there is an issue it must be addressed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the subsequent confrontation, the policemen reportedly grabbed on the Ambassa-dor’s clothing, ripping his shirt in the process.