The Institute For Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) unequivocally condemns the reprehensible acts of hooliganism perpetrated by known People’s Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C) activists during a crucial public forum with the United States (U.S) Fact-Finding Mission, hosted by the Linden Town Council on Friday November 17, 2023. So said the organisation in a statement.
The organisation said the egregious breach of democratic principles not only undermined the sanctity of a vital community engagement but also jeopardised the safety and security of the esteemed Organisation of World Leaders (OWL) team, comprising U.S elected officials, and specialists in business, human rights, law, and education. “Such undemocratic behaviour, which resulted in the abrupt termination of the meeting and the forced, unsafe withdrawal of the OWL team, is a stark affront to the foundational values of open dialogue and public safety.”
The meeting at times became unruly due to the mob-like and unruly behaviour of government supporters. These persons disrupted presentators, were confrontational, blocked the doorway, were verbally abusive to non-PPP participants, and at times made it difficult for others to be heard or present their stories.
It is alarming, IFAAD pointed out, the PPP/C activists were allowed to escalate their disruptive actions to a level that posed imminent danger, necessitating the suspension of all future engagements. The delegation was to scheduled to have a meeting in Buxton, East Coast Demerara on Saturday, but this was called off out of abundance of caution and fear for their safety and security.
Given the behaviour of PPP supporters in Linden IFAAD has made an urgent appeal to the Guyana Police Force to initiate a rigorous investigation and hold those accountable for endangering the lives of the OWL members. The organisation has also implored the United States Ambassador Nicole Theriot to demand a thorough explanation from the Government of Guyana regarding this unacceptable level of hostility and disrespect towards foreign dignitaries and their mission.”
The institute said the incident last Friday not only reflected poorly on the nation’s commitment to democratic norms but also raised serious concerns about the safety of international delegations within Guyana.
Deron Adams, Chairman Region 10, blasting the disruptive behaviour, said while the region and town felt honoured to be hosting a delegation of esteemed guests, the event was tainted “by the unprofessional conduct of the government-imposed town clerk and PPP councillors. According to Adams, the unruly behaviour was an attempt to clearly undermine the facts earlier presented by him, Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon and resident of Linden, Nigel London.
In his statement issued after the unfortunate incident Adams said the PPP-aligned town clerk “went to the lowest point with his loud and disruptive tone which was absolutely disrespectful,” subjecting the delegation to “constant noise pollution, resulting in difficulty in understanding important information being conveyed.”
Members of the U.S Fact Finding Mission who attended the event were :
- The Honourable Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler President/CEO, Organization of World Leaders Former Chair, Georgia Legislative Black Caucus; www.owleaders.org
- The Honourable Dr. Amber M. Baker North Carolina General Assembly Member, Appropriations & Commerce Committees;
- The Honourable Debra Bazemore Georgia House of Representatives Minority Caucus Chief Deputy Whip;
- The Honourable Hillman T. Frazier State of Mississippi Senate Chair, Senate Interstate and Federal Cooperation Committee;
- The Honourable G.A Hardaway Tennessee House of Representatives Former Chair, TN Legislative Black Caucus;
- The Honourable Gerald Neal State of Kentucky Senate Minority Floor Leader;
- Dr. DeAndre S. Pickett Principal Consultant, 357 Education Group Educational & Social Justice Advocate Civic Leaders;
- Mr. Latron Price Managing Operator/Co-Owner, Westside Community Market, LL;
- Mr. Marcus Coleman, Founder and CEO, Save OurSelves (SOS), Human Rights Activist.
The team returned to the U.S on Sunday.
