Dear Editor,
Further clarification is made to Chris Ram’s `AFC included foreign passport holders in its 2011 candidates list, its hypocrisy over Charrandass Persaud is boundless’ (SN Jan 7) and GHK Lall’s `This dual citizenship situation must be addressed forcefully’ (SN Jan 7). Both AFC and PNCR (APNU) committed to having candidates, members of parliament, Ministers, and CEOs with dual citizenship serving the country when they were in the opposition.
I recall in public meetings in 2005/2006, in 2011, and in 2015 in New York, the leadership of the AFC (including Khemraj Ramjattan, Moses Nagamootoo, Raphael Trotman, and the late Sheila Holder prior to 2011, etc.) told the audience that they were committed to including members of the diaspora (citizens of other countries) in the parliament, holding cabinet berths, heading government agencies, etc. I was informed that the same was stated in Florida and Toronto.
In fact, I recall very vividly that both Ramjattan and Trotman committed that at least two parliamentary seats would be given to the diaspora (presumably one from the USA and one from Canada since the bulk of the diaspora is settled in those two countries). There were media reports on this commitment; the commitment was also made in the manifesto of the AFC (in 2006, 2011) and the coalition alliance (2015). Didn’t the parties expect that the diaspora would have dual citizenship? And what if they do? How does that impact on their performance or contributions to the nation while resettling in Guyana as has been the case of Mr. Charandass Persaud. The head of the Energy Department, UG, Gold Board, and several other government bodies are dual citizens and they serve well. In addition, several who hold directorships of government bodies are dual citizens not to mention at least nine other members of parliament.
The AFC and PNC (APNU) have now backtracked on their commitment to the diaspora for political expediency – the epitome of hypocrisy. Both parties are making it difficult for the nation and the diaspora to trust them for a second term. The coalition should dissolve the assembly, resign and hold early elections before March 21 to improve their chances of victory.
Yours faithfully,
Dr. Vishnu Bisram
