Progressive Inter-Cultural Community Services Society (PICS) President and CEO Satbir Cheema and employees of the organization, founded by activist Charan Gill, are fighting back against propaganda and unfounded allegations by a local Punjabi radio station which they say clearly has an agenda for regime change at the organization. Cheema said over the past few weeks, he has received multiple requests from the media to respond to the allegations made against him personally and regarding the operations and finances of PICS. “PICS Society and the Board of Directors have taken serious note of the allegations and have retained an independent accounting firm with global expertise in these kinds of matters to undertake an investigation. The firm has started their forensic review and the outcomes will be made public in due course,” Cheema said. The women of PICS backed Cheema and said the recent malicious comments made by the two women hosts of Media Waves Radio, have caused undue strain and stress on them.

By PD Raj – Senior Writer DESIBUZZCanada

SURREY – Progressive Inter-Cultural Community Services Society (PICS) President and CEO Satbir Cheema and employees of the organization, founded by activist Charan Gill, are fighting back against propaganda and unfounded allegations by a local Punjabi radio station which many say clearly has an agenda for regime change at the organization. 

Cheema said over the past few weeks, he has received multiple requests from the media to respond to the allegations made against him personally and regarding the operations and finances of PICS.

“PICS Society and the Board of Directors have taken serious note of the allegations and have retained an independent accounting firm with global expertise in these kinds of matters to undertake an investigation. The firm has started their forensic review and the outcomes will be made public in due course,” Cheema said.

Cheema said all PICS services and operations are running uninterrupted and staff is continuing to provide quality services to the community as before.

“I have also filed a Civil Case for Defamation and because the matter is sub-judice, I have been advised not to talk about the matter publicly. All I can say at this point of time is that it is an unscrupulous attempt to cause irreparable damage to an esteemed community organization and my character assassination, but I have full faith in our Judicial System,” Cheema said.

“I am aware of the questions being raised as well as of my responsibility to bring the truth to the surface. I assure you that in due course of time everyone will have all the answers. I humbly request you to await the conclusion of the ongoing lawful processes.”

The women of PICS backed Cheema and said they would like to make it clear that in light of the malicious and outrageous remarks made on air by a media outlet in the recent days, that we strongly condemn the way we have been characterized.

“We are a group of talented and educated women dedicated to the mission and values of the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society. Promoting harmony and intercultural understanding for the purpose of building a more inclusive and mutually respectful society, is the foundation of our commitment to our community and our work. About 80% of the staff at PICS consists of strong and dedicated females. We are proud of the support and guidance we receive from our management team and the work we do for our community,” they said in a press release.

“We, as empowered women are educated and experienced in providing quality services to seniors, new immigrants, youth and people of all ages and work diligently to improve the lives of the people we serve. To have our integrity and intelligence insulted by the spewing of derogatory and demeaning statements is disgusting. Women should empower other women, not try to bring them down.”

They said the recent malicious comments made by the two women hosts of Media Waves Radio, have caused undue strain and stress on them. 

“We are also part of the families in the community as daughters, sisters, grandmothers, mothers, wives and friends. By publicly insulting and demeaning us without any reason, our families are being abused as well,” they said.

“This is sheer abuse, harassment, sexual discrimination and just plain untrue. As modern women, working in the community that we love, we refuse to stand by and let these comments go without rebuttal. We have all worked hard to become the professionals that we are. These accomplishments are not something to be disparaged, but achievements to be celebrated!

“We invite elected officials, responsible media members and the community at large to stand with us in solidarity, against these derogatory attacks on women. Women are more than just their bodies and we must work together to put an end to this gross narrative that has been recently shared on air. We must stop asking women to prove their qualifications and worth over and over again. We must stop the sexual objectification of women in our society. We must stand together and stand against such comments as they further perpetuate violence and harm towards women in the workplace. We encourage you to share this message on your social media and with all of your connections,” they said.

 “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” (Serena Williams)