Inews Guyana Reports : Otis Pearson, widely known by his alias “Otisha” and a notable figure in Guyana’s LGBTQ+ community, was arraigned on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts on charges of abusive and threatening language. The charges stemmed from a dispute with a former friend regarding a shared romantic partner and concerns about a minor.
The 47-year-old resident of Lot 17 Station Street, Kitty, appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty. He pleaded guilty to the abusive language charge but entered a not guilty plea regarding the threatening language accusation.
The incident reportedly occurred on July 24 in Kitty, involving Pearson and virtual complainant Anita Ramdeo, who did not attend court. The magistrate issued a warrant for Ramdeo’s arrest after she failed to appear, despite being properly summoned. Notably, Ramdeo is also facing a charge of abusive language linked to the same incident.
During the court proceedings, Pearson explained the circumstances that led to the confrontation, noting their previously close friendship soured after he became romantically involved with her partner. “We were sharing the same man,” he stated, highlighting the ongoing hostility that developed between them.
Pearson admitted to using expletives during the altercation but asserted that it was in retaliation to being insulted by Ramdeo. “Madam, I will be very honest I did curse her back because us gay people, if you curse us, we will curse you back,” he explained, adding that Ramdeo became upset upon discovering his relationship with her partner.
Additionally, Pearson expressed concern over Ramdeo’s young daughter, claiming that the child was often kept home from school to care for a younger sibling, which he argued deprived her of an education. He stated that he had filed multiple complaints with the police and the Child Protection Agency regarding the child’s welfare.
On the day of the incident, Pearson claimed he visited Ramdeo’s home to check on the child. He alleged that Ramdeo instructed her daughter not to speak to anyone, which escalated into an exchange of words that included obscene language.
While acknowledging his use of profanity, Pearson maintained that he never threatened Ramdeo, suggesting she was avoiding the legal proceedings. “She ain’t come because she hiding,” he asserted.
The prosecution did not oppose bail, and Magistrate McGusty granted Pearson $10,000 bail on the threatening language charge. She also ordered him to sign a peace bond, requiring him to maintain the peace and refrain from further contact with Ramdeo.
The case has been adjourned until August 22 for further proceedings.
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