Rickford Burke, President of the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) and an organiser of New York’s Guyana 60th Independence Anniversary Jubilee celebrations, has raised concerns about what he describes as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s treatment of the Guyanese diaspora, particularly African-Guyanese leaders living overseas.
In a social media post, Burke argued that the government’s reaction to the June 7 Independence parade in New York reflected what he called a “palpable and visceral” dislike for sections of the diaspora.
“The PPP government’s official position is that the epic Guyana Diamond Jubilee Independence parade in New York, on June 7, 2026, which attracted about 20K Guyanese, was an anti-PPP parade,” Burke wrote.
The parade was held as part of activities commemorating Guyana’s 60th anniversary of Independence and attracted thousands of Guyanese from across the United States and other parts of the diaspora.
Burke said President Irfaan Ali declined a request to provide an Independence message to be shared with those attending the event.
“Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, even refused to send Independence greetings to the diaspora when requested. Why? He hates the organisers,” Burke stated.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions about inclusivity in Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee observances. Significantly, while the PPP/C reportedly viewed the New York celebration as an anti-government event, the official national celebrations in Guyana did not include representatives of the parliamentary opposition, a broad cross-section of civil society, or several individuals closely associated with the country’s journey to independence.
Among those absent from the official programme was former Prime Minister and former Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green, the lone surviving participant of the 1965 Independence Conference in London that paved the way for Guyana’s independence.
Also not included was veteran statesman Eusi Kwayana, formerly Sidney King, the only surviving member of the legislature elected in 1953 when then British Guiana achieved universal adult suffrage under its first elected government.
Questions have also been raised about the absence of retired Colonel Desmond Roberts, who raised the Golden Arrowhead in Georgetown at the moment Guyana attained independence on May 26, 1966, and retired Lieutenant Colonel Fairbairn Liverpool, who performed the same historic duty during independence ceremonies in London.
For many, the omission of these historic figures appeared inconsistent with the spirit of a national celebration marking six decades of independence and has fueled debate about whether the commemorations adequately reflected the contributions of all those who helped shape Guyana’s history.
Burke argued that the government’s approach reflects a broader pattern of exclusion.
“The profound disdain President Irfaan Ali and the PPP government have for certain Guyanese nationals in the diaspora warrants stern condemnation by all. It is divisive and racist. It is antithetical to Guyanese national cohesion,” Burke wrote.
According to Burke, the government’s relationship with some members of the diaspora has become strained because of their independent views and willingness to criticise the administration.
“The President of Guyana hates his own nationals because he cannot control how we think and our freedom of speech,” Burke stated. “Can you imagine a country where its government demonstrates such hate and contempt for its own nationals? This is unprecedented.”
He further contended that African-Guyanese leaders in the diaspora are among those most affected.
“Their hate is palpable and visceral,” Burke wrote. “The minds of Guyanese in the diaspora should be poisoned against this divisive, racist, abominable practices of Irfaan Ali and his anti-diaspora government.”
Calling for greater inclusivity, Burke urged Guyanese both at home and abroad to challenge what he described as anti-diaspora sentiments.
“All Guyanese at home and the diaspora must call on Irfaan Ali and his anti-diaspora, PPP regime to stop hating the diaspora because they cannot control the diaspora. Stop hating African Guyanese in the diaspora. Stop hating African Guyanese leaders in the diaspora. It is unpatriotic, unbecoming and repugnant,” Burke stated.
Burke’s comments come against the backdrop of longstanding disagreements between the overseas-based activist and the PPP/C administration. Over the years, he has been among the government’s most vocal critics, frequently speaking on issues relating to governance, democracy, race relations and the treatment of Guyanese living abroad.
The issue of diaspora engagement remains an important aspect of national discourse, particularly given the significant role overseas Guyanese continue to play in the country’s economic, social and cultural development. Burke’s remarks are likely to contribute to continuing discussions about inclusion, national unity and the relationship between the state and the Guyanese diaspora.
