Georgetown, Guyana – In a powerful and hard-hitting interview with political journalist and opposition parliamentarian Sherod Duncan, Rickford Burke, President of the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) and a prominent Political Analyst residing in the United States, delivered a scathing critique of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government. Burke accused the PPP of systemic corruption, racial discrimination, and attempts to intimidate political dissidents.
Burke began by addressing recent actions taken by the PPP government to silence critics, including the Fugitive Offenders Amendment Bill, which he believes is aimed at enabling the extradition of political opponents like himself. “I am not in any way concerned with the nonsense that they’re doing,” Burke stated firmly. “They think they can stay in Guyana, and use the Guyana police force to frame people in America. That in itself is so objectionable, reprehensible.”
He also criticized the PPP’s tactics, comparing them to Russian strategies to intimidate dissidents. “They are targeting me because of my influence in the United States,” Burke explained. “But I believe in an eye for an eye. So they must be very conscious of that philosophy whenever they try to target us.”
Burke did not hold back in his condemnation of the PPP’s handling of national affairs. He accused the government of pervasive corruption and racial discrimination, particularly against Afro-Guyanese. “The PPP has committed terrorism against Blacks, and PPP members have been involved in murdering and terrorizing Afro-Guyanese communities,” Burke asserted. He detailed how the government uses its power to enrich a select few while marginalizing and subjugating others.
“The PPP attempts to control every aspect of national life in Guyana,” Burke said, pointing to the manipulation of the legal system and law enforcement to maintain their grip on power. “They believe in ethnic supremacy and have weaponized the police force to oppress political opponents and critics.”
Burke also raised serious allegations about human rights violations committed by the PPP government. “The police force under the PPP has been involved in framing people, hiding evidence, and covering up murders,” he charged. Burke cited specific instances, including the harassment and targeting of political figures and ordinary citizens alike.
He recounted his own experience with law enforcement, alleging that the PPP sent officers to the United States to intimidate and threaten him. “They came to my home in a very threatening posture with weapons,” Burke revealed. “Under those circumstances, you are justified to use deadly force in this country.”
In his closing remarks, Burke called for unity among Afro-Guyanese and all citizens affected by the PPP’s policies. He urged them to reject the government’s tactics of tokenism and superficial appeasement. “Young Afro-Guyanese and the middle class will achieve more if they stand together and demand their fair share of opportunities,” Burke emphasized. “Sucking up will get you nothing!”
Burke’s uncompromising stance and detailed accusations paint a bleak picture of the current state of governance in Guyana. His call for unity and resistance resonates with many who have long demanded greater transparency, accountability, and equitable treatment from their leaders.
