A ‘fact-finding’ mission from the United States comprising several state legislators which the Guyana Government says it will not engage with as it is biased towards the opposition is set to hold a press conference tomorrow.
The United States-based Organisation of World Leaders in collaboration with local organisers, 592Express, Benschop Radio 107.1 FM, Institute For Action Against Discrimination and Village Voice News today said it will be hosting a press conference on Tuesday, November 14 @ 2:00 p.m. at the Critchlow Labour College, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.
The 12-member U.S Fact-Finding Mission which is being led by Dee Dawkins- Haigler and co-lead by Rep John King (SC) is “concerned about allegations of discrimination towards certain ethnic groups as well as Guyanese-American, and will spend their days in Guyana interacting with organisations and individuals to hear their concerns”, a release from the groups said.
The release said that the delegation is intending to use the insights gained from these meetings to inform and guide discussions with relevant leaders in Congress and the White House upon their return to the United States. By sharing the experiences and concerns raised by Guyanese-American citizens, the delegation intends to advocate for positive change and promote inclusivity and equality at both national and international levels.
The release said that it is important to know that this is not a formal US government
mission but an “independent unbiased fact-finding mission”.
The team will meet the media to explain more about the visit and welcomes questions, the release said.
The Government of Guyana on Saturday night said that it will not engage with the `fact-finding’ mission from the United States, charging that it is biased towards the opposition and constitutes interference in domestic politics.
In a statement, the government said that it had noted from publications on social media that a delegation from the US intends to travel to Guyana on Monday, November 13, 2023 for a “fact-finding mission”. Stabroek News has reported on the impending visit.
A press release on October 26th 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.”