Advocacy group for Guyanese-American citizens formed

…says will be focused on policy issues originating in USA

Democrats Abroad Guyana, an advocacy group that will represent the interest of Guyanese-American citizens of Democratic affiliation at home and abroad, has officially launched itself into existence at the Herdmanston Hotel on Tuesday, where it announced its objectives during a press conference.
The group founders were at pains to emphasise that they have no interest in politics in Guyana. According to Chairperson Dr Dawn Stewart, their advocacy has a US Democratic perspective.

“We’re not pushing local policies. All the issues that we will be addressing are issues that directly impact American citizens living abroad in relation to policies made in the United States of America,” she said.
Group Secretary Mark Archer meanwhile noted that their advocacy may have an indirect effect on Guyanese. He gave the example of vaccine restrictions in the wake of the US decision that persons vaccinated with the Sputnik V vaccine will not be allowed unconditional entry into the USA.
“Some of the issues that we will be addressing, like immigration, social security and several other issues, they’re not Guyanese political issues, but some of them may have direct relation to what is happening in Guyana and around the world.
“When the US Congress passes laws dealing with immigration, it will affect Guyanese. When the US Congress passes laws stating what are the visa requirements for entry into the United States, it will affect Guyanese. So, some of the things we’re doing will have an indirect effect on Guyanese who are not American citizens,” Archer said.
Press conference moderator Bobby Vieira meanwhile laid out the stipulations for persons to become members of the group. According to him, persons desirous of joining the group must be US citizens and must be members of the Democratic Party.
Among the recent US based policies that have direct ramifications on Guyana was the recent announcement that international travellers must be fully vaccinated before they are allowed into the country. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- approved Jassen (Johnson & Johnson), Moderna, and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are currently being administered to persons in the US.
Last week, it was reported that 80,000 persons were waiting to be inoculated with the second dose of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine. This data was released by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony during the coronavirus briefing.
Government had first ordered 400,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine – 200,000 first doses and 200,000 second doses. From that, Guyana has already received the 200,000 first doses as well as 61,000 of the second doses.