I CATEGORICALLY refute the claims made by Mr Nigel Hughes, Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), during a press conference and reported in Stabroek News on December 18, 2024. Mr. Hughes alleged that he had been in contact with me, Alister Charlie, Member of Parliament (PPP/C), regarding the Venezuelan Warrau migrants. I wish to set the record straight and present the facts clearly to the public.

On December 17, 2024, Mr Hughes visited the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs at approximately 10:30 a.m. Mr Hughes informed me that he was at the ministry to meet with the Permanent Secretary (PS) and I advised him that the PS was attending a meeting at that time. Mr Hughes mentioned the presence of the Warrau migrants in Georgetown and indicated his intention to return to the ministry with the migrants at 1:00 p.m. to discuss the matter with the PS.

When Mr Hughes returned with the Warrau migrants, I was engaged in a meeting. Rather than ensuring proper coordination or fulfilling his stated intentions, Mr Hughes abandoned the migrants at the ministry and departed. This conduct demonstrates clear irresponsibility and political duplicity, as it appears to be a deliberate attempt to exploit the vulnerability of the Warrau people for political gain, while unfairly implicating me in the process.
I trust this statement will correct the public record and expose the unfounded and misleading narrative being propagated by Mr Hughes.

Alister Charlie
Member of Parliament