The Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD) in a statement has firmly expressed deep concern and condemnation of the “Global Africa Leadership Award” bestowed upon President Mohammed Irfaan Ali Friday. The president is presently in Ghana to receive the Award, which according to a government’s statement would be for his “strong and transformational leadership” since taking office in August 2020.
Ali’s four-year leadership has been marred with policies that have resulted social, economic and political dislocation of African Guyanese. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government is hostile towards the Opposition, the A Partnership of National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), whose support base is primarily from the African Guyanese community. African communities such as Cane View/Mocha was destroyed by the government leaving persons without homes, businesses, animals and livestock, with an estimated loss to be millions.
Appeals to the Ali government by local and international groups and governments to to be inclusive and ensure shared economic prosperity have seen no shift in policies. Specifically, in 2022 United States Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in conversations with Ali, called for inclusion, shared prosperity and transparency in the management of Guyana, which was welcomed by Guyanese.
The Institute, also acknowledging the state of affairs for African Guyanese said while the award may be seen as a recognition of leadership, Ali’s tenure has been marred by the continuous suppression of Africa Guyanese, discriminatory policies, and the erosion of their rights. Instances cited by the are the Ali administration forcibly taking away ancestral lands from Africa Guyanese, significantly impacting their connection to their heritage and cultural roots. Also noted, is the termination of thousands of African Guyanese workers from their positions in the public sector, further exacerbating inequalities and perpetuating discrimination within society.
IFAAD said it strongly believes any leadership award should be granted in recognition of inclusive governance, guaranteeing equal opportunities and protection for all citizens, irrespective of their ethnicity or background. “Regrettably, President Ali’s policies have demonstrated an alarming pattern of systemic discrimination against the African Guyanese community, which only serves to widen the existing divide within the nation.”
Given such leadership the Institute for Action Against Discrimination says it is disheartening to witness Ali and his government being rewarded with the prestigious “Global Africa Leadership Award,” while actively perpetuating discriminatory practices against African Guyanese citizens.
This award sends a troubling message that it is acceptable for leaders to marginalise and suppress certain communities, contradicting the spirit of true leadership and equality. Considering Ali being the recipient of the Award IFAAD is calling on him to reflect upon his actions and consider the implications of receiving such an award. The organisation is also beseeching the president to foster an environment that embraces diversity, promotes inclusivity, and works towards the elimination of discrimination in all its forms.
IFAAD said as an organisation committed to addressing discrimination, it encourages international bodies responsible for granting awards to carefully consider the actions and policies undertaken by recipients, ensuring they align with principles of equality and human rights. “It is crucial to honour leaders who exemplify genuine inclusive leadership and who work tirelessly towards the betterment of all communities.”
Recently, the Afro-Guyanese organisations issued flaying the Award stating “there is no evidence within [President Ali’s] own Party or the Nation of Guyana and the wider Caribbean Community that he has done anything noteworthy that deserves your Accolade. It may be that your analysis is based on information garnered from a media that is with few exceptions State-controlled.”
