–Foreign Affairs Ministry confirms

CHARRANDASS Persaud is no longer representing Guyana in the capacity of High Commissioner to India, and while he remains in India, it is to facilitate the “winding down” of affairs for his return, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has said.

The ministry’s clarification was a direct response to accusations by the Alliance For Change (AFC) that Persaud was still functioning as an envoy, given an invitation where he is listed as a guest at an event.

The statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry explained that Persaud is simply in India in the process of winding down his administrative responsibilities and taking steps to organise his personal affairs in order for his return to Guyana.

“These activities are consistent with the recall of any Head of Mission. The ministry wishes to assure the citizens of Guyana that all international best practices in diplomacy are being adhered to,” the statement said.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, said Persaud’s name could have mistakenly been included in a general invitation that was sent out to a general collection of envoys.

However, Todd said the authenticity of an invitation has not been verified and when he spoke to Persaud on the issue, Persaud related that he was not aware of an invitation to an event in the capacity as high commissioner.

“When I spoke to him earlier, he was not aware of it. He’s not aware of the host, nor aware that he was invited and is a guest. It could’ve been a mistake,” Todd said.
It was last month that President, Dr Irfaan Ali announced that Persaud will be stepping down from his post and returning to Guyana, allowing for someone else to transition into the New Delhi-based role.

The decision followed the circulation of a video on social media of an incident which occurred in August 2021 outside of the High Commissioner’s Vasant Kunj residence.

The President, in the address, noted that notwithstanding Persaud being cleared of any accusations made against him, the standard for Guyana’s representatives abroad is high. As such, President Ali said, there was a meeting of the minds between the two during a phone call which culminated with the decision.

“Mr Charrandass agreed with me that, in keeping with the best interest of Guyana, he will return home from his posting in India. I want to assure all Guyanese that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Guyana will continue to work every day to strengthen our relationship, not only with India, but [also] with every other partner across the globe,” the President had said.