Charrandas Persaud recalled as High Commissioner to India following abusive video

Guyana’s High Commissioner to India, Charrandas Persaud will be returning home following the circulation of a video in which he was verbally abusive to a woman in that country.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali in a short video statement on Wednesday said “Mr. Charrandas takes full responsibility for his actions and will return home from his posting.”

“We will therefore going to take all official steps and measures to ensure a smooth transition,” he added.

The video circulating on social media and reported on by various news agencies, was filmed at the Diplomat’s Indian residence. In the video, he was heard using derogatory language towards a woman who was reportedly looking for a dog. He told the Indian woman: “If you want the dog, take it and put it between your legs…you probably want the dog f%$k you”.

Charrandas was appointed to the post on March 21, 2021. According to the President, the incident occured on August 1, 2021 and was dealt with by the relevant authorities at the time.

In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the matter was “fully investigated” by the Indian authorities and it was determined, that the complaint by the woman of “sexually abusive words” had “not been substantiated.” This was communicated to the Ministry on September 3 last year.

Nevertheless, the President said the former politician will return to Guyana as the government works to strengthen relations with its overseas counterparts.