–-Minister Walrond affirms; points to provision of crucial support to IDPADA-G groups
–challenges persons claiming otherwise to produce credible evidence of victimisation, neglect of any particular race, religious community
–Guyana supports extension of International Decade for People of African Descent

THE Government of Guyana continues to contribute heavily to the development of the Afro-Guyanese communities and the preservation of culture.
This view was expressed by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, who is leading a Guyana delegation at the Third Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in Geneva, Switzerland.

In an invited comment on the sidelines of the forum, Minister Walrond said that of the $100 million allocated to The International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana (IDPADA-G) groups in 2023, almost $70 million was disbursed to groups across the country.

“Some people are very good at playing the victim and labelling the government as prejudiced, but the evidence is clear. This PPP/C government has assisted IDPADA-G groups in community projects, lecture series, the establishment of mega-farms and block-making projects, training programmes and many other initiatives, all geared towards our commitment to the principles of fairness,” she said.

Minister Walrond also referenced the contributions made to the Afro-Guyanese community for Emancipation Day activities as another area of unequivocal support for all Guyanese, regardless of race.

“In 2023 alone, we contributed over $26 million towards promoting and preserving our African culture through Emancipation Day activities to communities, cultural groups and religious organisations across our country. This ensured that our drummers, dancers and other cultural performers were incentivised to keep the culture alive. Equally important is that this type of cash injection allows for greater awareness of the African culture, not just in the Afro-Guyanese community, but for all Guyanese,” Minister Walrond said.

She also addressed claims of victimisation against Afro-Guyanese, challenging anyone with evidence to come forward.
“I want to offer my assurance that any credible evidence of victimisation or negligence against any particular race or religious community in Guyana will be dealt with expeditiously because this is contrary to our One Guyana philosophy. It will not be condoned,” the minister stressed.

In her remarks at the opening of the United Nations (UN) Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in Geneva, Switzerland, Minister Walrond also pointed to programmes and measures aimed at improving the lives of Afro-Guyanese.

With Guyana being a nation which has citizens from all walks of life, she said: “Guyana as a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society is mindful and keen to ensure that our population, in its entirety, enjoys the best quality of life our country can afford.”

She further said that the government is aware that the panel will address the issues of reparations, sustainable development, economic justice, education, overcoming systemic racism and historic and cultural recognition. And Guyana has been and will continue to support the call for reparations.

“We also know that CARICOM has been at the forefront of demanding reparations for the descendants of enslaved Africans. Guyana is fully committed to the CARICOM position and His Excellency President Irfaan Ali is on record of having added his voice to the call for the need for reparations,” Walrond said.

She added: “Consequently, we have established a national reparations committee within the framework of a 10-point plan agreed upon by the Caribbean Community. We in Guyana provide financial support to this committee and are proud to have facilitated the presence of its Chair at this session.”

EXTENSION OF THE DECADE
Regarding the call for the second International Decade for People of African Descent, the minister said that the government has taken note of its merits and unreservedly supports the extension of the Decade.

“Guyana looks forward [to] contributing to the efforts towards improving the conditions of people of African descent. Both by supporting the work of this forum and by continuing to craft and implement programmes that will redone to benefit of Guyanese of African descent,” the minister said.

Earlier this year, President Ali related that time is of the essence and advancement must be made towards creating a mechanism that leads to reparations.

During a panel discussion at the African Prosperity Dialogues, the President told African leaders who were present not to allow themselves to fall into the discussion of whether slavery has been recognised as a grave human violation, because it already has.
But instead, he said they must focus on getting the guilty party to move from the apology stage to creating a mechanism.

In a previous address at a high-level meeting to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action that was held under the theme, “Reparations, racial justice and equality for people of African descent,” President Ali told world leaders: “Guyana is committed to gaining international reparations for the crime of African enslavement.

Reparative justice must not only include a full and unconditional apology from those responsible and/or who benefitted from the transatlantic trade in captive Africans and their consequent enslavement, but must go beyond apology.”

The President said that it is in this regard that Guyana will continue to support efforts being made within the Caribbean Community to press for the convening of an international summit to demand reparative justice for the victims of the transatlantic slave trade, African enslavement, and its enduring effects.

The Head of State also reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and said that the country was pleased to join in adopting the Declaration.