Dear Editor,
THE Canadian government’s action of declaring that Irfaan Ali, the presidential nominee of the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), is not welcome in its dominion because of the extant 19 charges that he currently faces in the local court, is an example of a state that underlines its respect for the Rule of Law; and the understanding that all are/must be held accountable for their actions, irrespective of social standing.

Canada, especially, is known for its non-compromising position of `no entry’ to such a category as Ali, as well as any who may record any type of criminal conviction. One is certain that the Freedom House collective, based on their well-known predilection for believing that they are entitled to offend, and not be brought before the courts, also believed that Ali, because of his current political status would have been given a free pass to Canada.

But they have been mistaken; for Canada is not Guyana, particularly during the lawless years of the PPP/C years of governance, during which not a single senior administrator, whether of PPP/C affiliation, or otherwise, had ever been charged and brought before the courts, for corruption-related matters. And, this was despite the mounting evidence, particularly from pointers in numerous auditor general reports that pointed to massive illegalities being perpetrated.

It should be added, too, that the Canadian authorities would have done their homework on Ali, inclusive of his undefended fraudulent academic certification.
In continuing to have Ali as its presidential candidate, Jagdeo and the Robb Street cabal, has continued to display an unsurprising disregard for matters of propriety. It is a slap in the face of moral rectitude, and personal decency; and a cold insult for those of its constituents who have objected to the Ali slate.

Regards,
Aditya Panday