Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, has accused the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), of trafficking Haitian nationals to serve ulterior motives.
The former President made this allegation during a press conference hosted at his Church Street, Georgetown office today (June 7, 2018).
The politician noted that this is not the first time that the issue is being raised within the public domain without any resistance, or form of rebuttal from the Government. He surmised that the government’s “silence” serves to augment his position that there is indeed “smuggling” of Haitians.
“Until now, silence…I have used the Government of Guyana figures. The figures pointed out that just with that category of persons, that where are 5,600 Haitians that came to Guyana within the last three years and have not departed. We believe they have departed – most of them – because they have been smuggled out of the country.” The politician said.
To solidify his claim, the former Minister of Finance, said he was informed of a scenario where an individual would have have been deported back to Guyana, only to received fresh documents. That person Jagdeo said, is preparing to travel soon.
“I plan to share the information with the police but I suspect if I do so, they may tell their bosses because they will not have any interest in catching these people because the ring goes right up to the top in these ministries – Public Security and (Ministry of Citizenship).”
The Jagdeo-led Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), has on a number of occasions accused the Ministry of Citizenship of having plans up its sleeves to issue documents – relevant to voting – to persons that are not eligible to vote, or to phantom persons.
Former Home Affairs Minister and PPP/C Executive Member, Clement Rohee, would have raised these concerns at Freedom House, back in 2016 alleging that these supposed tactics are ingredients in elections rigging.
