There is strong rejection of President Irfaan Ali’s statement “there is absolutely no issue for the Government of Guyana” to be concerned regarding the detention of Permanent Secretary (PS), Ms. Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas, whilst travelling to China via the United States (U.S). The president made the remark at the recent handing over of the disreputable Commission of Inquiry Report into the 2020 General and Regional Elections.
When asked by a member of the media the purpose of the PS’ visit abroad the President declined to confirm or deny the public servant was travelling on government or party’s business.
Does President Ali believe Guyanese would think he, as Head of State and Head of Government, does not know about the nature of the trip or made no effort to acquaint himself?
If he does not know, as he claims, it is a shame and an indictment that as leader of this country he could project such lack of interest and seeming unconcern. If Mr. Ali is not in charge and concerned about the security of this country, then he must step aside and let the accountable person address these issues. The people of this nation deserve better and would not accept Ali running this country like a ‘salt-goods shop’ or ‘sweetie stall.’
The PS is the highest ranking official in the public sector.
Lest it be misconstrued, this issue is not about Ms. Thomas, in her private capacity but about the office she holds and the implications a detention, seizure of passport, and visa revocation could have on Guyana’s image and national interest. This issue is not only a big thing, President Ali, it is significant, very disturbing and presents concern about Guyana’s safety and security.
The president must come clean.
This matter will not be put to rest until Guyanese have a clear and satisfactory understanding from Guyana and or the U.S government(s) on the threat, concern and irregularities in the behaviour of the PS that necessitated such U.S lawful intervention. Any action of the PS that poses a threat to U.S security or interest should be a matter of grave concern to Guyana.
The PS is not just an ordinary citizen.
A senior public servant reported in the media to be on the U.S Watch List, made a false declaration on the immigrant form, had her visa revoked whilst travelling, and a cell phone seized are more than sufficient information for the president to address his mind to. To wit, the following is posed:
- Is it true the PS is on the U.S watch list? If so, why and how long ago?
- Is the information true one of her immigration documents was false? If so, what is the false declaration made?
- Was a cell phone in PS’ possession seized by U.S immigration authority, and if so, what is the reason given for this seizure? Was the cell phone seized and returned to her immediately or at a later date?
- Why did the PS not return to Guyana via the U.S? Is it true her U.S visa has been revoked and if so when was this done?
- The PS was travelling with two other persons. Was she/they on a government or party’s visit?
- Does the government have any plan to provide the Guyanese people credible and transparent information as it relates to this case?
The President’s varied responses leave much room for speculation on the veracity of his statements. If he fails to address the aforementioned questions in an honest and forthright manner, he further erodes confidence in the office he holds, and his capability to function in the nation’s highest office.
It is insufficient and unacceptable to equate any person going through “secondary” at immigration ports as “normal routine.” Ms. Thomas, is also not anybody but a person who holds the highest position in one of the most important ministries.
On the Ministry of Home Affairs’ website, the world reads the ministry “strive [s]to contribute to a secure and prosperous Guyana through the elimination of threats to peace and the utilisation of effective border management systems and accepted international security practices which ensures the preservation of the safety, rights and dignity of all citizens.” Its PS has administrative oversight and engages in critical security details, intelligence, access and resources pertaining to Guyana’s national interest.
A holder of this office would find it difficult to impress on society there could be ignorance on his/her part regarding customs and border protection in the countries that would be visited. Neither, should President Ali be allowed to insult the nation’s intelligence into thinking a matter this grave would not attract his attention or be cause for national concern given the likely implications for Guyana’s national interest.
There is concurrence with my colleague, shadow Minister of Home Affairs, Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond, “the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government is of the belief that if a matter is ignored long enough, it will eventually go away, but Thomas’ position is too important.”
Guyanese must not allow the PPP to normalise behaviours that would be highly unacceptable in any law-abiding democratic society. The issues at hand raise question whether Ms. Thomas is fit and proper to occupy the office she sits in.
President Ali must come clean.
