A 14-person delegation from the United States of America – including state legislators – is expected to visit Guyana to review allegations of racism, discrimination and human rights violations here.
A press release yesterday stated that the team consists of US state legislators, civil rights activists, and entrepreneurs, and will be led by President & Founder of Organization World Leaders and former Chair, Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, Dee Dawkins-Haigler; and former Chair of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, Rep. John King III (SC). They will endeavour to assess the validity of the allegations of racial discrimination and intimidation tactics and “shed light on the truth and pave way for a brighter, more inclusive future in Guyana.”
According to the release, the decision to visit Guyana was prompted by presentations by Members of Parliament, Roysdale Forde, David Patterson, Dawn Hastings-Williams, and Catherine Hughes at the Washington Diaspora Conference, where accusations were outlined by the leadership of a large section of the Guyanese populace. This in addition to a public missive issued by Forde as Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs, which was published in the Kaieteur News, as well as calls made by way of a formal request for a fact-finding mission to assess allegations of discrimination, marginalisation and displacement.
The release noted, “In a world where equality and justice are paramount, the delegation stands united in their commitment to uncovering the reality behind the allegations. Their mission is fueled by a deep-rooted belief in the fundamental rights and dignity of every individual, regardless of their race or background. With a keen determination to address these pressing issues head-on, the delegation will leave no stone unturned. They aim to gather comprehensive and reliable information, engaging with local communities, organizations, and government officials.”
Further, it informed that the mission aims to “thoroughly” assess the validity of the allegations, and to provide insight on whether Guyana’s PPP/C Government is in adherence to democratic norms and the rule of law.
“The allegations of racial discrimination and human rights violations have cast a dark shadow over the nation, threatening the very fabric of its society”, the release said.
It was recalled that in August of 2021, a delegation of US legislators, business owners, human rights activists and others had travelled to Guyana to attend the Socio-Economic Emancipation 2021. During this visit, the US delegation had the opportunity to meet with President Irfaan Ali and his executive cabinet. They also met with the opposition leaders and the former US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch. During this time in Guyana and based on the meetings with the President, it was the hope of the delegation that both parties would work for the good of Guyana, specifically related to the reference from the President’s “One Guyana” statements.
The release stressed that this is not an official visit on behalf of the US Government; instead, it is an “independent, unbiased fact-finding mission,” in which the findings will be compiled and presented to the Country of Guyana, the Biden Administration, the United States Congress, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the US State Department. “It is our desire that the outcome of these findings will assist in the commitment to transparency and accountability to which free and democratic societies should function.”
