The APNU+AFC coalition is facing criticism for fielding a candidate who has been repeatedly charged—although not convicted—for child molestation at Friday’s local government polls.
The candidate at the centre of the controversy is Winston Harding, who is contesting for the first-past-the-post seat in Constituency 13 (East and West Ruimveldt), where campaign posters with his image have been rebranded with a tag, reading “Child Molester.”
Stabroek News contacted Harding for a response but he said he could not speak until directed to do so by the coalition. When reminded that the accusations were against him and not the coalition, he said “they are also damning to the party, so I will await their instructions. The party is presently handling the matter.”
Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence, who is in charge of the coalition’s Georgetown campaign, is also facing criticism over Harding’s candidature, particularly in light of her portfolio.
When Stabroek News spoke with Lawrence at the coalition’s campaign office on D’urban Street on Monday evening, she maintained that the accusations begin and end with Winston Harding’s sister.
“This is a family issue that has been going on and on and on and on for whatever reason,