IDPADA-G calls for “meaningful dialogue” with Govt

The International Decade for People of African Descent – Guyana (IDPADA-G) has called for “meaningful dialogue” with the Guyana Government to address issues facing Afro-Guyanese.
In a statement on Sunday, IDPADA-G Chief Executive Officer, Olive Sampson said they have been trying to meet with President Dr Irfaan Ali to bring to his attention the issues of concern to the Afro-Guyanese community so as to collaborate on the best way forward.

The organisation claims the initiatives by the Government over the past two years “do not address the fundamental concerns of the Guyanese of African descent…”
Sampson’s statement comes on the heels of her delivering remarks at the United Nations First Session of the Permanent Forum for People of African Descent, which was held in Geneva earlier this month. She spoke of “deteriorating conditions” Afro-Guyanese face in Guyana and pleaded for international intervention locally.
According to the IDPADA-G official, their outreach to the international community is a response to being ignored by those who manage the affairs of this country.
However, these claims were rubbished by the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry in a subsequent statement. It said the claims of discrimination by the Government of Guyana against people of African descent, and their marginalisation from significant economic opportunities is totally erroneous and misleading.

“The Government of Guyana refutes the contents of Ms Sampson’s statements in their totality; statements which must be condemned, and that can only serve to incite hatred, intolerance and mistrust in our society – defeating the very purpose of the Forum,” the missive detailed.
It reminded of the consistent support which the People’s Progressive Party Administration has given to the efforts of the international community to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. In fact, the Ministry recalled that Guyana was among the 170 countries which were represented at the 2001 World Conference that resulted in the adoption of the historic Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.
Moreover, it was noted that Guyana supported the resolution to establish the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent last year.
“The inclusive policies being undertaken by the Government of Guyana speak for themselves, and can be proven. It is unfortunate that at such a significant forum, Ms Sampson chose to export the divisive policies of her organisation, and to demonstrate the narrow racist bias that continues to cloud the judgement of its members.”
“The Durban Declaration affirms that ‘all peoples and individuals constitute one human family, rich in diversity’. This Government will vigorously continue to promote unity in diversity, and pursue its One Guyana vision to ensure that every citizen is accorded a dignified existence, and with due respect for their rights and with equality before the law,” the Foreign Ministry contended.
Nevertheless, the IDPADA-G CEO in her presentation had made recommendations for special procedures at the level of the UN to ensure the protection of land ownership, compensatory measures for land unjustly dispossessed of and return of land under illegal possession. They also want a collection of disaggregated data and/or ethnic disparity audits as the basis for developing policies and programmes targeted at improving the lives of African descendant people. Calls were also made for the establishment of national oversight and monitoring agencies to ensure Government respects the Human Rights of People of African Descent.
Moreover, there was also a call for the international community’s intervention in having IDPADA-G’s monthly grant from the State restored after it was ceased back in September.
Government had cited the lack of accountability and transparency in the agency’s use of its funding from the State when it stopped the disbursement of the grant.