Out-of-control RC’s driver Assaults journalist

‘C’ DIVISION POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING the physical assault on journalist Rawle
Nelson by the Driver of Regional Chairman Mr. Daniel Seeram when attempted to provide
coverage for the March statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of
Demerara/Mahaica (Region Four).
Seeram prefers the monthly meeting, which is always legally open to the public, conducted
without the presence of media, and Nelson has been, strangely, a source of irritation to the
Chairman, and some Councillors on both sides of the RDC aisle.
Two Statutory meetings ago, RDC officials summoned armed police ranks to forcibly remove
Nelson from the public meeting. Afterwards, they instructed guards at the Triumph headquarters
to block Nelson entering the public compounds.
Seeram’s driver, Mr. Dexter Charles, relished the role of enforcer.
The former soldier started by verbally abusing the www.aroundtheregions.com journalist. In an
expletive-laced rant against Nelson, he promised plug the leaks existing in the RDC, accusing
Regional Vice Chairman, Mr. Samuel Sandy, and other Councilors of feeding the journalist
privileged information.
Charles warned Nelson will feel the full brunt of his rage.
Then last week, Charles confronted the independent journalist when he turned up for the
statutory which was shifted, clandestinely, to Quamina Primary School, in Beterverwagting (BV)
also on the East Coast corridor.
This time the ex-GDF-soldier-turned-RC’s-driver added physical assault to his arsenal of tactics
against the experienced journalist.

‘C’ Division (East Coast Demerara) police at Cove and John, launched their investigations into
the incident which Nelson managed to capture on his mobile phone. Police will file charges
when their probe is completed.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Nigel Dharamlall said barring
Nelson from RDC Statutory Meetings is illegal and will not be supported by his Ministry which
has oversight of that statutory body.
Minister Dharamlall warned that Councillors are flouting regulations and promised to address the
swirling controversy.
Some RDC Councillors are already jaded by Seeram’s antics although he is only about eight
months on the job. Some are seriously contemplating a no-confidence vote against him, which he
is likely to survive with backing from both sides.
“This is a complicated matter as many of us want to have him removed as even a child will see
that the Regional Chairman is deliberately doing things to embarrass and ensure that
APNU+AFC continues to lose support in Region Four. What you need to understand is that the
PPP Councillors are enjoying this as they will continue to sit back and watch as they are aware
that the support, we once commanded in this Region will certainly reduce,” a frustrated
opposition Councillor said.
There are several complaints of infighting among coalition RDC members in Region Four
because of Seeram’s dictatorial style. There are reports quietly circulating that other
APNU+AFC Councillors are also contemplating abandoning the embattled coalition and cross
the floor.
www.aroundtheregions.com has learnt from usually reliable sources that Seeram himself is
pondering a return to the fold of the ruling People Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) coalition. It is
this sensitive information, first reported by Nelson, that seems to spark the ongoing tiff with the
Regional Chairman and his driver/enforcer.

Seeram is unhappy that some of his RDC colleagues do not respond to his drills and blindly
endorse some of his highly “questionable decisions”. Since then, he has taken to sidelining them
and/or ignoring their contributions at many Regional fora.
The former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Captain’s toxic leadership style is also reportedly
affecting relations with his Vice Chairman, Mr. Samuel Sandy. Seeram and Sandy have had
several spats lately to the point where the driver of the former has become emotionally involved.
Some Councillors are questioning PNC General Secretary, Ms. Amna Ally’s public embrace of
the embattled Seeram, whom they accuse of being in cahoots with the ruling Peoples Progressive
Party Civic (PPP/C) coalition.
This media house was reliably informed that Seeram has secured government contracts for
projects in Region Four which some assert, are inducement to switch loyalties.
“This is a man who overnight became PNC and was welcomed and endorsed fully by Amna
Ally and now it’s evident that he is on a destructive mission and unfortunately the
APNU+AFC is suffering immensely,” another Councillor complained.