President Ali denies claims of discrimination within Government

Dismissing claims that some Guyanese suffer racial discrimination at the hands of his Administration, President Irfaan Ali called two members of his public relations team on screen of a live interview with a Trinidad and Tobago TV station to show that there is inclusivity within his Administration. The two staff members are of two different races.

Just recently, the United Nations Human Rights Committee called on the Government to adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that extends far beyond discrimination in the work place, and provides full and effective protection against all forms of discrimination.

In the interview with Trinidad’s CNC 3 this morning, President Ali said claims of discrimination in his Government are unfounded, and form part of old propaganda.

“That is nonsense. That is a historical misstep that has no place in the future. This country is going to move forward as one Guyana with all the people integrated as one. We are going to set the agenda as to what unity looks like, we are going to live unity,” the President said.

The President said if one looks at the many programmes unveiled by his Government, that person cannot claim any form of discrimination.

The President said that there is equity in the disbursement of state resources.

“When we announce increases, over the last three years, over 75% increases in old age pension, it goes to every single old age pensioner; when we announce special programme for people with dialysis, it goes to every single Guyanese; when we announce the school children grant, it goes to every Guyanese; when we announce the woman empowerment programme; it goes to every Guyanese; when we announce a programme to give a voucher to every single woman in Guyana, and to go and have a medical check-up for cervical cancer, it goes to every Guyanese; when we announce 15% of all revenue earned on carbon sale, it goes to every Amerindian community,” the President pointed out.

In its recent report, the UN Human Rights Committee said the Government should “adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that explicitly addresses all spheres of life and prohibits direct, indirect, and intersectional discrimination on all grounds.

The UN Committee said it was deeply concerned about the continued ethnic divide and tensions in the country, with hate speeches and incitement to racial hostility being spewed by politicians and public officials.

It said the country must redouble its efforts to end the existing divide and tensions between ethnic groups and discrimination against ethnic minority groups.