–Minister Edghill says in response to APNU+AFC MP Walton-Desir’s claims of ethnic discrimination
–calls out APNU+AFC for misleading National Assembly

MINISTER of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill has strongly refuted allegations of ethnic discrimination being peddled by the APNU+AFC regarding the removal of vendors along the Kingston Seawall.

Addressing the National Assembly on Friday, Minister Edghill dismissed the accusations made by Opposition Parliamentarian Amanza Walton-Desir, labelling them baseless and misleading.
In a detailed response, he highlighted the ethnic diversity of the vendors permitted to operate on the seawall, emphasising that out of the 52 that were given permission by the Sea and River Defence Board, only one is of Indian descent, while another is a Latino of Venezuelan-Guyanese origins. The remaining 50 vendors are Afro-Guyanese.

“This is the racism the PPP/C [People’s Progressive Party/Civic] is guilty of? Sometimes we fail to put these facts on the table,” Edghill said.

Minister Edghill expressed frustration at the continuous use of the race card by certain groups, describing it as a tactic to undermine the government’s efforts.

“Everything that happens; even when it’s principle, when we are operating, elevating standards, when we are seeking to bring about development, the one argument that a group of people assemble as their launching pad is racism. And they play to the race card,” Edghill related.

The minister criticised the misinformation being spread on social media, and its impact on public perception.

“Because we fail to put these facts on the table, a group of people can jump on Facebook; even invite legislators of this House, people who are paid by taxpayers’ money to represent people, and they continue to peddle this racism because there is no other argument that they could make. None, whatsoever!” he exclaimed.

In light of recent discussions with vendors who were asked to remove permanent structures from the seawall, Edghill clarified that those who received permission to vend from the Sea and River Defence Board would continue their operations. However, unlawful vendors will not be allowed to remain.

“I am dealing here today with a specific thing said by someone looking through a particular lens and misled this National Assembly today, and I call upon Amanza Walton… Statements that are challenged by the facts; I would like her to produce one vendor,” Edghill concluded.

Minister Edghill’s comments come as the government moves to regulate vending along the seawall, which was left to be run in an haphazard manner under the APNU+AFC administration’s watch, so as to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.