The Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IAAD) in a release Saturday said the body has reason to be concerned about the safety of its Secretary, Mr. Lelon Saul.
Saul is a retired Lt. Colonel of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and former Chief Executive Officer, Central Housing and Planning Authority.
According to IAAD, Saul has been receiving correspondence, including WhatsApp messages, that have either attacked his character or warned the exercise of his rights to freely associate and express could result in harm to his person.
“The disturbing messages have been transmitted and continue to be since he has affixed his signature to a letter, accompanied by a statement signed by notable Guyanese, seeking the intervention of the international community to halt the social, economic and political injustices in society.”
Recently the IAAD dispatched letter and detailed statement to the international community, including United States Vice President Kamala Harris, bringing attention to what signatories said are the “escalating social, racial, economic, and political injustices levelled at African Guyanese and others who do not support the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime of Guyana.” In the statement, carried in this publication, no less than 30 complaints were identified.
IAAD also made known the organisation is aware of a letter signed by Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Philips accusing Saul and signatories of “using false claims [that] will trigger a U.S. intrusion into the affairs of a democratic sovereign state such as Guyana.” This, the organisation said, couldn’t be further from the truth.
The institute said had the prime minister read the documents he would have appreciated the concerns expressed from persons who desire national peace and harmony between and amongst diverse members of society.
“And we believe this could only be achieved through equality, equity, the rule of law, and upholding the rights of all Guyanese; likewise citizens of the world. The organisation [writing] to allies of Guyana, allies the People’s Progressive Party had and continue to share cordial relations [is evidence] IAAD has not departed from [the] protocol.”
The fact that internal efforts have failed to achieve inclusion, security, safety and fair share of the nation’s patrimony, or start meaningful conversations with all stakeholders, in pursuit of these IAAD said its next best alternative was to reach out for international support.
The body said its intent is honourable and reasonable. But in seeking to pursue its intent it has come to its attention Saul’s safety is under threat for the stance he has taken. To this end the organisation said “whereas Mr. Saul is not daunted or intimidated by threats, IAAD wants to make it very clear that we hold Prime Minister Phillips and the Government of Guyana responsible for the safety and security of Mr. Saul.”
Further, IAAD said the body will not be silent and allow those who are plotting mischief to think persons are afraid to speak out. “And in this fight for the right to life, safety, security and well-being of all, irrespective of race, creed, political or other association, all Guyanese are being called on to join [IAAD] to make real the national motto of ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny.’
