WIN Opposes Any Arrangement for Guyana to Accept Third-Country Nationals

We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) has strongly opposed reports that the Government of Guyana is in discussions with the United States on a possible arrangement for Guyana to accept third-country nationals, accusing the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government of excluding the parliamentary opposition and civil society from discussions on an issue with far-reaching national consequences.

In a statement, WIN said it is deeply concerned that the discussions are reportedly taking place without consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, without parliamentary scrutiny, and without debate in the National Assembly. “Decisions with far-reaching national consequences must not be made behind closed doors,” the party said. “The Guyanese people do not get transparency under the PPP; instead, we are forced to live with their backdoor deals.”

This exclusion is occurring in a context where the Leader of the Opposition for the 13th Parliament has not yet been elected, as mandated by Article 184(1) of the Guyana Constitution.

WIN Leader Azruddin Mohamed is widely regarded as the presumptive Leader of the Opposition, as WIN holds 16 of the 29 seats allocated to the Opposition, according to the official declaration by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). However, the election of the Opposition Leader has not been facilitated, a situation attributed to PPP-elected Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, who has not yet convened the required process with non-government parliamentarians as stipulated by the Constitution.

The remaining opposition seats in the 65-member National Assembly are held by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), with 12 seats, and the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), with one seat. The  governing PPP has 36 seats.

The party’s comments come amid confirmation by government officials that Guyana and the United States are engaged in ongoing bilateral talks on a possible framework for the acceptance of third-country nationals. Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud has said the discussions are aimed at arrangements consistent with Guyana’s national priorities, while indicating that Guyana would retain the right to refuse any individuals proposed by the U.S. Media reports suggest the talks are at an advanced stage, although no agreement has been made public.

WIN questioned whether there is any public information on the background or character of individuals who may be brought to Guyana, rejecting claims that they may be “skilled” while “many skilled Guyanese remain unemployed and while the development of our own people is not prioritised.” The party also warned that Guyana’s infrastructure is already under strain, citing increased pressure on hospitals, schools, housing, and other essential services following the acceptance of thousands of Venezuelan refugees.

WIN said it does not support any agreement for Guyana to accept third-country nationals from the United States until the government provides full disclosure, ensures parliamentary oversight, engages civil society, and presents a clear plan that prioritises the well-being of Guyanese citizens.