The embarrassing and undiplomatic behavior of our diplomats cannot be countenanced

Mention the name Charrandass Persaud in Guyana and you will receive mixed reactions from among the populace. A former member of the Alliance for Change (AFC), one of the partners comprising the coalition, the other being ‘A Partnership for National Unity’ (APNU). Charrandass is most remembered for his dissenting vote in a no-confidence motion tabled in Parliament by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) back in December 2018. Regarded as an act of betrayal by his APNU/AFC colleagues but labeled as a ‘conscience vote’ by Charrandass, the act paved the way for fresh elections that eventually toppled the APNU/AFC Government and saw the ascension of the PPP/C into office.

Amidst accusations of betrayal, Mr. Persaud was escorted to the Eugene F Correia International Airport by Peter Ramsaroop and fled to Canada where he apparently enjoyed either landing or citizenship status. He was later quoted as saying that, contrary to widespread accusations of betrayal, he had merely voted in compliance with his conscience. Guyanese are not easily fooled and the rumour mills started grinding. Notwithstanding, the skeptics were convinced that Persaud had been coerced by politicians within the PPP/C rank and file into such a dastardly betrayal of the party (AFC) he represented in the Parliament.

Their theory was confirmed when in March 2021 Persaud was ‘gifted’ an ambassadorial appointment and presented his credentials to His Excellency Ram Nath Kovind, President of India, as Guyana’s new High Commissioner to that country.

Naturally, tongues started wagging as citizens began to ‘put 2 and 2 together’ but the PPP, in their usual dismissive fashion chose a Frank Sinatra path and did things their way.

Even the uninitiated felt that it was payback for Charrandass and that he was unsuited for such a sensitive appointment. They did not have to wait a long time for vindication. Pictorial evidence has recently been circulated where the esteemed diplomat has unleashed a vitriolic attack on Associate Professor, Ms. Sonya Ghosh. These reports, in connection with a criminal complaint, supported by video evidence, have been circulating in Guyana against Mr. Persaud for his unconscionable act of August 1, 2021.

The complaint was filed in India and submitted to the Station House Office of Vasant Kunj South and copied to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (South West) Vasant Vihar, New Delhi; and to Member of Parliament Shrimati Maneka Gandhi. Even though this criminal complaint for ‘sexually harassing and outraging and insulting the modesty of Ms. Sonia Ghosh’ was filed over a year ago, the (Guyana) Ministry of Foreign Affairs has only now responded to queries put to it after the video was recently leaked. The Ministry, headed by Minister, Hugh Todd, has issued a terse press statement saying that the allegations of “sexually abusive words to the complainant have not been substantiated and this matter is now closed.”

This is indeed a frightening development and one would shudder to think that our diplomatic representative, Mr. Persaud, would exhibit such crass behavior while occupying such a distinguished office. His undiplomatic response to the Associate Professor smacks of intolerance and vulgarity, traits that are utterly demeaning and totally unacceptable in the Foreign Service.

President Irfaan Ali has recently reported that he has accepted Persaud’s resignation. Such a revelation smacks of disrespect for the citizenry and clearly demonstrates the level of disrespect the PPP cabal has for the Guyanese people. For the record, Guyanese were made aware of Persaud’s crudeness via a posting on social media on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, more than one year after its occurrence. These politicians then sanctimoniously launched into a tirade after the details were leaked, giving the impression that they knew nothing about the incident.

Subsequently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hurriedly issued a statement that the accusations were unsubstantiated and that the issue was effectively closed.

The confusion and hypocrisy intensified when on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, President Irfaan Ali notified the nation that an agreement has been reached to recall Persaud. One is tempted to ask, ‘an agreement concerning what?’ Did not the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, earlier disclose that the accusations were unsubstantiated and that the issue was effectively closed?’

Following a subsequent report from President Ali, one suspected that he (the President) had negotiated with the delinquent diplomat to vacate the post instead of ordering him to do so, especially regarding the serious and embarrassing nature of the incident.

Once again, the PPP has disrespected the intelligence of the Guyanese people as well as those of India by retaining Persaud as Guyana’s High Commissioner to India more than one year after his disgraceful act. Had it not been for the intrusive nature of New Media Technology coupled with the nationwide condemnation of Persaud’s action, the Ali government would have continued denying the facts and I am quite certain that Charrandass would not have been recalled. It is clear that individuals of Persaud’s ilk ought not to be employed in Foreign Service entities since it is noted that diplomats are expected to demonstrate such traits as discretion, patience, and tolerance among others, none of which he possesses.

Foreign Service officials must also demonstrate a keen knowledge of the customs and history of the citizens of their host country which seems to be traits obviously lacking from Persaud’s arsenal thus disqualifying him from the post he previously held.

Persaud’s diplomatic appointment is probably payback for services rendered but he failed to demonstrate integrity and dedication in promoting Guyana’s interest while deepening cordial relations with the host country. We can ill afford to trivialize our foreign service with the appointments of misfits. Hence no effort should be wasted in building a corps of competent diplomats.

Persaud’s indiscretion ought not to be tolerated since it is a poor display of statesmanship. Even worse, the ruling cabal has shown tolerance for his behavior and only acted after nationwide condemnation. Given the modus operandi of the government, one ought not to feign astonishment if Mr. Persaud’s conduct is rewarded with another high-profile appointment. Only time will tell!