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United States (U.S) House of Representatives Democratic Leader, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, has honoured his commitment that “a delegation of House Members, myself included, will meet with leaders of the Guyanese opposition party to continue our dialogue about the opportunities and challenges confronting the [Cooperative] Republic of Guyana.” The statement was released by Jeffries Office on September 16, following a meeting with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government delegation led by President Irfaan Ali.
Last Thursday, Jeffries and House Members, including leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), met with Ali’s delegation. The congressman in his statement, following that meeting make known:-
“During the meeting we discussed several critical issues, including regional and energy security, the climate crisis and the importance of an inclusive society in Guyana that involved full economic participation and civic engagement by Guyanese-Africans and Guyanese-Indians. We also discussed electoral reform, strengthening democratic institutions and the need to bolster access to banking and financial services in the Caribbean region.”
Heading to Washington for this meeting are Members of Parliament Aubrey Norton, (Leader of the Opposition), Dawn Hastings-Williams, Ganesh Mahipaul, Roysdale Forde S.C, Catherine ‘Cathy’ Hughes, Deonarine Ramsaroop, David Patterson and Amanza Walton-Desir.
The delegation will meet Democratic House Leader Jeffries and other Members of the House next Wednesday, September 27 on Capitol Hill.
In addition to calling for good governance, including a seat at the table to participate in meaningful decision-making, the Opposition has been calling for a clean Voters List. Leaders and supporters of the A Partnership of National Unity and Alliance for Change, along with civil society have been staging weekly protest in front of the headquarters of the Guyana Elections Commission, in Georgetown, to have their demands met.
Local and international observers to the 2020 General and Regional Elections have expressed concern about the size of the Voters List relative to the population, which is approximately 760,000 whilst the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) has approximately 680,000 names.
Over the years the U.S has played a pivotal role in Guyana’s political, social and economic development. Former Ambassador Sarah Ann Lynch has repeatedly called on the Government to engage with the Opposition and civic society, noting the importance of inclusion and sustainability of all Guyanese. Before leaving she communicated her willingness to facilitate such engagement.
However, President Ali continues to refuse to engage Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton, using the petulant argument of Norton not previously shaking his hand as reason for non-engagement. The President even hinted he does not need the Opposition for his ‘one Guyana’ programme. This go-it-alone management approach contravenes inclusionary democracy in the management and decision-making processes of the state as outlined in Article 13 of the Constitution of Guyana.
In July 2022 President Ali was summoned to Washington D.C by the U.S Government. In a read-out of Vice President Kamala Harris’ call with Ali on July 26, 2022, posted on the White House’s website she made known that
“she looked forward to continuing her collaboration with President Ali in promoting inclusive democracy, economic development, and security for all Guyanese, and underscored the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthening U.S. partnerships with the Caribbean.”
The Biden Administration’s policy was initially shared by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. On July 26, following his meeting with the Ali’s delegation, Blinken tweeted:
“Guyana remains a key partner as we work to bolster food and energy security, promote shared prosperity and inclusive growth, strengthen transparency, and safeguard the environment.”
News Update
Village Voice News has since learned Members of Parliament Nina Flue-Bess and Vincent Henry have been added to the list of leaders of the Opposition who will participate in the September 27 meeting on Capitol Hill. This takes the list of participants to 10.
