IN response to recent statements made by overseas-based Guyanese and political activist Rickford Burke, the Association of the People of African Descent (APAD) has issued a strong rebuttal, denouncing what it describes as “baseless and divisive remarks” concerning their upcoming Emancipation Day celebration.

Below is the full statement issued by APAD:
“The Association of the People of African Descent (APAD) is compelled to address the utterly baseless and divisive remarks made by Mr. Rickford Burke concerning our upcoming Emancipation Day celebration.
Mr. Burke’s attempts to mislead the public with his fearmongering and falsehoods are not only laughable but also detrimental to the unity of the Afro-Guyanese community.
To clarify for Mr. Burke and any others who may be confused: The Association of the People of African Descent (APAD) is a legitimate non-profit organization dedicated to empowering our community. Unlike some entities that seem to believe they have a monopoly on Afro-Guyanese issues, we do not seek to monopolize or politicize our shared heritage.
We are here to foster unity, not division. It is particularly ironic that a certain organization which claims to have the official emancipation event has previously sought financial assistance from the very government it condemns, and claim exclusive rights over Emancipation Day celebrations.
It is also notable that the organization charges exorbitant prices to its exhibitors and attendees, APAD paid $140,000 GYD to exhibit at ACDA’s 2023 event and was deliberately placed at the back of the venue where we were unable to connect with the Afro Guyanese community.

CGID does not own Emancipation Day, nor does it possess any special authority to denounce or dismiss other organizations striving to make a positive impact on our community. In contrast, APAD’s Emancipation Day event welcomes all attendees and exhibitors free of charge. As a non-profit organization, our goal is solely to empower and uplift our community without burdening them with unnecessary costs.

We do not seek approval from Mr. Burke or the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) to host our event. Our commitment to celebrating our history, honoring our ancestors, and promoting progress within the Afro-Guyanese community remains steadfast. Our organization is steadfast in its aim to foster unity among all Afro-Guyanese. We believe in the strength that comes from standing together and working collaboratively to uplift our community. We reject any attempts to divide us and will continue to promote unity and progress. Best Regards, Association of the People of African Descent.”