Irfan Ali

PPP presidential candidate Irfaan Ali says he has been advised by Canada not to travel there as a result of the 19 charges brought against him by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and he has been given 30 days to respond.

A statement from Ali follows:

I have noted the mischief being peddled on the social media in relation to my visit to Canada. As was publicised, I have a series of meetings and events with the Diaspora planned in Toronto, Canada. I was scheduled to leave Guyana, on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at 10:20am, via Caribbean Airlines: BW 0600 flight.

On Monday, January 28, 2019, at 4:05pm, I received a correspondence from the High Commission of Canada, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, advising me of a report in relation to the 19 trumped-up charges by SOCU. In the correspondence, they advised me not to travel and gave 30 days to respond to the correspondence.

Contrary to social media reports, I am in possession of a valid passport and visa to Canada. I have also since contacted the Canadian High Commissioner, in Georgetown, Guyana who is looking into the matter.

As I await the outcome, I assure all Guyanese in the Diaspora of my utmost respect and regard for them and the circumstances surrounding my travel to Canada at this time is beyond my control.

Good morning

Appearing at a campaign-style event for the first time since the December 21st no-confidence motion that felled his government, President David Granger yesterday said that the administration will exhaust all lawful processes to challenge the results and strongly signalled that he would lead the APNU+AFC coalition into the next elections.

To a jubilant, cheering crowd of about 1,500 persons at the official commissioning of his People’s National Congress’ Region Three headquarters at Vreed-en-Hoop, Granger declared that there is no provision for a “caretaker government” and he remains in office until the next President is sworn in. He emphasised that the government would not violate Guyana’s Constitution, while signalling that the government could appeal the no-confidence motion case all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice, Guyana’s final court of appeal.

In a campaign style speech, President Granger has urged Guyanese to allow him and his government to finish the job of transforming Guyana.

For any Government to succeed, it needs wise, informed leaders. The situation in Guyana is desperate, since the past Governments have all been corrupt, implementing selfish policies and programs to benefit themselves, racial grouping and friends. The workers and the poor never benefitted. More harm were done to workers when the present Government closed main industries as sugar and rice. The ripple mal effects affected the entire Guyanese population. The shortage of money affected all and sundary who depended on these industries. The cost of living is so high that social economic conditions have deteriorated drastically. The promises made to the workers were never honored. Accountability is sadly lacking. Fictitious programs and imaginary works are charged for in millions of dollars without tangible proofs. When deceitful politicians live for themselves, it affects others also. In Guyana the effects are terrifying, since everyone suffers. As a solution, the Guyanese Nation should turn its back on all politicians, who served the country negatively by promoting divide and rule politics, racism and dishonesty. Best wishes for a united Guyana. Any other political system that doesn't speak for the entire nation will fail again. I suggest an inclusive Government. This is a Government by, with and for the entire Guyanese Nation.

It is clear to the public that thus far, the APNU+AFC government is prepared to put the legitimacy of the country’s government in question for the sole purpose of extending its life in office by any means possible.
As has been stated in various quarters, the government also seems prepared to risk Guyana’s international standing as a constitutional democracy, its ability to be recognised as a viable party to internationally drawn contracts and agreements, its standing as an investment destination and the smooth running of the country’s political, social and economic life.