Apology needed for unjustified attack on Indian High Commissioner

Dear Editor,
The Director of Public Information (DPI), Mr Imran Khan, appears to have misunderstood the purpose and objective of the New Delhi meeting of PIO (People of Indian Origin) parliamentarians (MPs), as well as the Indian High Commissioner’s role in selecting MPs for the conference.
Having now been publicly informed by the High Commissioner of the goal and rationale of the meet, he should apologise to the HC. The HC is not seeking to interfere or influence Guyana politics, although many Guyanese wish he (or India) and other countries would intervene in the same manner that the ambassadors of the ABC countries do/did in Guyana’s internal affairs.
The focus of the Delhi conference was on building relations between India and the countries where the PIO MPs are domiciled. The theme was on the role the MPs could play for mutual development. The parley allowed the MPs to connect with their past in India, and to build parliamentary relationships. There was no hidden agenda and no plan to interfere in any country’s internal affairs.
As India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, told the gathering, India never invaded another country, but has helped other countries. And the PM made reference to India rescuing over 70,000 migrants from various countries stranded in Yemen. India also rescued many ships that were pirated off the coast of Africa. India also helps every African country.
Similar gatherings were held in the past under previous governments. The Government of India covered all costs of this meeting. Ministers or speakers of parliaments were not invited. The Government of India has direct government-to-government relations with Guyana, and these are conducted at the diplomatic level by ministers. It is well known that ministers from India hold direct talks with ministers from Guyana and other countries.
The PM of India met with President Granger in September 2014. The Prime Minister of Guyana, Moses Nagamootoo, was an official guest of India on several occasions. Just last December, Minister Ramjattan was in Delhi for a security meeting. So, clearly, government-to- government relations are very strong and are without friction. Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge is due to visit India soon; discussion will be centred on a visit by President Granger. There is no need for Mr Khan to introduce conflict now.
The MPs I spoke with said both days’ conferences were very productive, and they expressed hope that these conferences would be annual. There was no politicking – meaning, interference in Guyana affairs — at any of the sessions.
Imran Khan should tender an apology to the HC and to the Government of India for his erroneous personal belief and unsupported allegations.

Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram