Ronald Gajraj
Ronald Gajraj | |
---|---|
Minister of Home Affairs, Guyana | |
In office 2011–2016 | |
Personal details | |
Born | April 1952 |
Died | December 2018 |
Nationality | ![]() |
Political party | People's Progressive Party (Guyana) |
Ronald Gajraj (April 1952 - December 2018) was a Guyanese politician who served as the Minister of Home Affairs. He was a member of the People's Progressive Party.
Biography
Gajraj was a Lieutenant in the Guyana Defence Force, an attorney, the Minister of Home Affairs, and the Ambassador to India and Bangladesh.[1] He came from a family that served in the government since the inception of the PPP in 1950.
His service as Minister of Home Affairs of Guyana was marred by accusations by the main opposition party, the People's National Congress (PNC) of installing and operating a death squad. Gajraj voluntarily stepped down[2] and called for a commission of inquiry into the matter.[3] He was subsequently cleared for lack of evidence.[4] Despite being cleared, the main opposition renewed calls for his removal as Home Affairs Minister. He subsequently served as Guyana's Ambassador to India.
When the PNC government was installed in 2015, Gajraj resigned, and was replaced by David Pollard.
Gajraj died on 15 December 2018 following a short illness.[5]
References
- ^ "Ronald Gajraj passes away". Stabroek News. 15 December 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
- ^ "Timeline: Guyana". 16 August 2012. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
- ^ "Guyana 'hit squad' row offer", BBC News, 8 May 2004.
- ^ "GUYANA: Inquiry into death squads clears home affairs minister". www.latinnews.com. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
- ^ Chabrol, Denis (15 December 2018). "BREAKING: Former Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj dies". Demerara Waves. Retrieved 17 December 2018.