…also addresses contracting of The Cormac Group
Shadow-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Parliamentary Opposition, Amanza Walton- Desir met with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd on Wednesday to receive direct answers, on the Opposition’s part, about what is being done to reunite the Guyanese fisherfolk currently detained in Venezuela.
Walton- Desir had requested the meeting and such was granted by the Minister. Later in an online statement, she noted that the Foreign Minister provided an update on the detainment of the crew and vessels and the Government’s efforts to ensure their safe return.
“At today’s meeting, Minister Todd outlined the actions that the Government has taken to date which include protest notes to several international organizations and direct engagement with his counterpart Minister in Venezuela. He also restated that his Ministry is in direct contact with the affected families as we await what must be a diplomatic solution to the issue,” she stated.
She also urged the Ministry to embark on a public education campaign to ensure that every Guyanese understands and can properly articulate Guyana’s position as it relates to Venezuela’s claims.
“It is important that we continue to hold the PPP/C administration accountable during these turbulent times,” she said.
Furthermore, a release from the Ministry informed the public that Walton-Desir expressed the Parliamentary Opposition’s firm support on the Guyana -Venezuela border controversy.
“Minister Todd and Ms. Walton-Desir echoed the need for a bipartisan approach between Government and the Opposition, on matters related to the Guyana- Venezuela border controversy and welcomed continued dialogue on the matter,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry stated.
Also topical at the meeting was the PPP/C’s recent multimillion-dollar contract with The Cormac Group – a lobbyist firm in the US – which had represented the PPC/’s interest during the highly controversial 2020 General and Regional Elections.
According to a document filed by The Cormac Group with the US Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), the six-month contract was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Elisabeth Harper on December 28, 2020 for the provision of government relations and lobbying services.
“I expressed my concern about the Cormac Group, a lobbying firm retained by the Government, speaking on this issue, purportedly on behalf of the people of Guyana. I expressed the view that in relation to issues which touch and concern our sovereignty and territorial integrity, it is far more appropriate that these matters be dealt with by our foreign service personnel rather than a lobbying group with no permanent friends nor interests,” Walton-Desir stated, adding:
“Reiterating the APNU/AFC’s stated commitment to bi-artisanship on this grave international threat, I advised Minister Todd, that the PPP/C Administration’s continued persecution of Afro-Guyanese is eroding the national unity needed for Guyana to successfully confront Venezuela’s aggression.”
Altogether, Walton-Desir said that the meeting was a cordial one.
