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An “inexcusable embarrassment” is how the APNU+AFC Opposition describes the letter sent by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government as congratulations to President-elect, Joe Biden and Vice President (VP)-elect, Kamala Harris for their historic victory in the 2020 U.S. elections.
History was made on November 7, when VP-elect, Kamala Harris became the first woman, and first woman of color elected as VP while Biden received the highest popular votes ever cast for a presidential candidate in U.S. history.
In a three-paragraph letter on Saturday, President Irfaan Ali congratulated Biden, wished him good health and stated that he looks forward to working closely with the U.S. on strengthening bilateral ties and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the opinion of Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amanza Walton-Desir, the President’s failure to even reference Harris is appalling and must be corrected.
“I am appalled at what appears to be a congratulatory letter sent by the installed Guyana government on behalf of the people of Guyana to President-elect Biden. Besides sentence construction reminiscent of a sixth- grader, the government clearly does not appear to think that congratulations are in order for Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, a black woman of East Indian descent. It could not be that the historical significance of her election to the second highest office in the USA, is lost on the Ali administration,” Walton-Desir wrote publicly
She added: “I would not wish to ascribe to the author/authors any motive other than grievous oversight. I would want to encourage those in the government who are perhaps possessed with greater experience in matters of protocol and international relations to correct this inexcusable embarrassment with the greatest of alacrity and tender to the V-P elect the well-deserved accolades that should attend to so significant an accomplishment.”
Meanwhile, APNU+AFC’s Communication Director, Imran Khan shared similar sentiments when he stated that the President failed to acknowledge the contribution of Harris, a woman of Caribbean roots.
“This is a gross insult and disrespect to Vice President-elect Harris, the President-elect Joe Biden for his bold and historic decision to select her as his running mate and the people of Jamaica where VP-elect Harris has roots. The letter is obviously written reluctantly and grudgingly. The tone of the letter is cold and regretful and bordering on being contemptuous. The letter was clearly done as a formality without any hint of being genuine. The PPP has once again brought shame to Guyana on the international stage,” he said.
Sharing his thoughts too was the well-known Mondale Smith, a Personal Assistant to the Minister of Education, who said that he risks being fired by the Government for giving his opinion.
In an open letter to the President, he stated: “If it is that you wish to congratulate President-elect Mr. Joe Biden and VP Elect Ms. Kamala Harris on their victory at the just concluded US elections, I humbly suggest that you do so respectfully, recognizing the two by names and elected posts. Some may say that I’m going to be fired for this post but, too little too late, water is already under the bridge.
However, I dare state that it is an affront to women everywhere and more so women of color, that the statement purporting to be yours neglects to mention the VP who just happens to be a woman, a woman of Caribbean and Indian heritage.”
The PPP/C has been accused by the APNU+AFC of being dangerously close to the Trump Administration with U.S. Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo visiting the country in September and forging agreements which include how the country should treat with neighbouring Venezuela.
Notably, also, no congratulatory message to Biden or Harris has come from the U.S. Embassy in Guyana or from U.S. Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch.
