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A fourteen (14) person delegation from the United States of America will be heading to Guyana shortly on a fact-finding journey “poised to shed light on the truth and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future” in the country.
The team, led by the Hon. Dee Dawkins-Haigler – President & Founder, Organisation World Leaders & Former Chair, Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, and Rep. John King III (SC) – Former Chair, South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, expressly states:
“After reviewing the presentations made by Members of Parliament, Mr. Roysdale Forde S.C., Mr. David Patterson, Mrs Dawn Hastings – Williams and Mrs. Catherine Hughes and considering the troubling allegations outlined by the leadership of a large section of the Guyanese populace…” the information is disturbing.
The team states its interest was also peaked by
“a public missive letter issued by Mr. Roysdale Forde S.C.,M.P (Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs in the Guyanese Legislature) and published in the Kaieteur News; as well as calls made by way of a formal request for a Fact-Finding mission to assess allegations of discrimination, marginalisation and displacement; they hereby announce a high-level, fact-finding mission to Guyana to include State Legislators, civil rights activists, entrepreneurs to assess the validity of the allegations of racial discrimination and intimidation tactics.”
Further, the team, in a statement released today states:
“The allegations of racial discrimination and human rights violations have cast a dark shadow over the nation, threatening the very fabric of its society. This delegation, however, represents a ray of hope, a beacon of change. Their unwavering dedication to truth and justice has the potential to transform the lives of countless individuals, bringing healing and reconciliation to a wounded nation.”
The group says it felt dismayed having heard the conversations that emanated from the recently concluded Washington Conference on Guyana, where allegations were made by Guyanese opposition Members of Parliament and Conference Delegates, during a meeting with members of the United States Congressional Black Caucus. This two-day conference was held September 27th– 28th in what the Opposition says was a “highly successful meeting” with the U.S legislators.
The incoming mission, according to the 14-person team, aims to thoroughly assess the validity of the allegations, and to provide insight on whether Guyana’s PPP/C Government is in adherence to democratic norms and the rule of law.
Making known its visit is not on behalf of the U.S Government, but an independent, unbiased fact-finding mission, the team says its
“findings will be compiled and presented to the Country of Guyana, the Biden Administration, the United States Congress, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the U.S State Department. It is our desire that the outcome of these findings will assist in the commitment to transparency and accountability to which free and democratic societies should function.”
Mentioned is made that in August of 2021, a delegation of U.S legislators, business owners, human rights activists and others travelled to Guyana to attend the Socio-Economic Emancipation 2021. During that visit, the group recalls, persons had the opportunity to meet with President Irfaan Ali and his executive cabinet. That delegation also met with the opposition leaders and former US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch.
The incoming delegation states that “during [that] time in Guyana and based on the meetings with the President, it was the hope of the [previous] delegation that both parties would work for the good of Guyana, specifically related to the reference from the President’s ‘One Guyana’ statements.”
The team’s arrival date has not been made public.
The Irfaan Ali government has repeatedly denied allegations of racism and discrimination, daring persons to provide the evidence, and insulting others even when evidence is provided. However, the U.S-based Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), other organisations and individuals, local and in the diaspora, have continued to make their cases, accompanied by evidence.
The full statement by the 14-person team follows:
Embarking on a ground-breaking mission, a delegation of esteemed individuals is set to travel to Guyana to address allegations of racial discrimination and human rights violations. This fact-finding journey is poised to shed light on the truth and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. In August of 2021, a delegation of US legislators, business owners, human rights activists and others travelled to Guyana to attend the Socio-Economic Emancipation 2021. During this visit, they had the opportunity to meet with President Irfaan Ali and his executive cabinet. They also met with the opposition leaders and the former US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch. During this time in Guyana and based on the meetings with the President, it was the hope of the delegation that both parties would work for the good of Guyana, specifically related to the reference from the President’s “One Guyana” statements.
To their dismay, we were made aware of conversations emanating from the recently concluded ‘Washington Conference on Guyana, where allegations were made by Guyanese opposition Members of Parliament and Conference Delegates, during a meeting with members of United States Congressional Black Caucus.
After reviewing the presentations made by Members of Parliament, Mr. Roysdale Forde S.C., Mr. David Patterson, Mrs Dawn Hastings – Williams and Mrs. Catherine Hughes and considering the troubling allegations outlined by the leadership of a large section of the Guyanese populace; a public missive letter issued by Mr. Roysdale Forde S.C.,M.P (Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs in the Guyanese Legislature) and published in the Kaieteur News; as well as calls made by way of a formal request for a Fact-Finding mission to assess allegations of discrimination, marginalisation and displacement; they hereby announce a high-level, fact-finding mission to Guyana to include State Legislators, civil rights activists, entrepreneurs to assess the validity of the allegations of racial discrimination and intimidation tactics.
In a world where equality and justice are paramount, the delegation stands united in their commitment to uncovering the reality behind the allegations. Their mission is fueled by a deep-rooted belief in the fundamental rights and dignity of every individual, regardless of their race or background. With a keen determination to address these pressing issues head-on, the delegation will leave no stone unturned. They aim to gather comprehensive and reliable information, engaging with local communities, organizations, and government officials. Through a meticulous fact-finding process, they endeavour to uncover the truth and advocate for justice.
The allegations of racial discrimination and human rights violations have cast a dark shadow over the nation, threatening the very fabric of its society. This delegation, however, represents a ray of hope, a beacon of change. Their unwavering dedication to truth and justice has the potential to transform the lives of countless individuals, bringing healing and reconciliation to a wounded nation. This mission aims to thoroughly assess the validity of the allegations, and to provide insight on whether Guyana’s PPP/C Government is in adherence to democratic norms and the rule of law.
This is not an official visit on behalf of the US Government; instead, this is an independent, unbiased fact-finding mission, in which the findings will be compiled and presented to the Country of Guyana, the Biden Administration, the United States Congress, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the US State Department. It is our desire that the outcome of these findings will assist in the commitment to transparency and accountability to which free and democratic societies should function.
As the delegation prepares to embark on this transformative journey, they humbly call upon all stakeholders, both in Guyana and around the world, to support their efforts. Together, let us stand in solidarity, championing the cause of equality and human rights for all. Stay tuned as the delegation’s fact-finding mission unfolds, offering a glimpse into the truth and paving the way for a future where every individual, regardless of their race, can thrive and be treated with the dignity they deserve.
This fourteen (14) person delegation will be led by the Hon. Dee Dawkins-Haigler – President & Founder, Organisation World Leaders & Former Chair, Georgia Legislative Black Caucus and Rep. John King III (SC) – Former Chair, South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus.
