–urges unity and opportunity for all Guyanese

HALIM Khan, Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding remarks made by the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly – Guyana (IDPADA-G) at the United Nations forum, calling for a more unified and realistic portrayal of the country’s progress and opportunity.

Khan, speaking in a personal capacity and as head of R3PSInc, challenged what he described as “divisive narratives”, and emphasised that Guyana belongs to all Guyanese, regardless of race or background.
“I don’t believe in labelling people as Afro-Guyanese or Indo-Guyanese; we are all Guyanese,” Khan said, adding: “The time of division should be over. The reality is, in areas predominantly occupied by Afro-Guyanese, there has been significant development under the current government.”
Referring to infrastructural improvements on the East Coast of Demerara and enhanced public amenities, Khan noted that progress is visible in communities of all ethnic backgrounds.
He further highlighted recent government initiatives, such as the $100,000 cash grant, which was distributed without racial bias.

“Every Guyanese benefitted,” Khan said. “No preference was given to one race over another. In fact, in some areas, Afro-Guyanese communities had easier access to registration and collection of benefits.”
Addressing the issue of employment, Khan pushed back against claims of systemic exclusion or racial discrimination, arguing that Guyana is currently facing a labour shortage.

“If there are 500 young Afro-Guyanese looking for jobs, we can hire them now,” he asserted. “There are contractors across the country in desperate need of both skilled and unskilled workers.”

Khan also pointed to national leadership as a demonstration of inclusion, citing the current Prime Minister and Commissioner of Police, both of Afro-Guyanese descent, as examples of representation at the highest levels.
“President Ali has recognised and promoted Afro-Guyanese leaders. This is not a government that discriminates,” he said, referencing the president’s recent call for long-overdue police promotions.

Reflecting on education, Khan noted the government’s policy of free tuition at the University of Guyana as a nationwide opportunity open to all, encouraging young people, especially those being told otherwise by political figures, to take advantage of it.
“It’s dangerous when leaders tell youths that they have no opportunities; that mindset holds them back,” Khan warned. “We should be encouraging our young people to rise and take part in Guyana’s growth.”

In closing, Khan urged national unity, echoing President Irfaan Ali’s vision of “One Guyana”, and called for Guyanese at home and abroad to promote the country’s progress.
“We can’t let a few voices misrepresent Guyana on the international stage,” he said. “Let’s build this country together, and leave a legacy of unity and development.”

Khan’s comments come amid continued national discussion over race, equity, and representation, an issue reignited by IDPADA-G’s controversial statements at the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, which the Government of Guyana has sharply criticised as “nonsensical and divisive”.
In addition to his role with R3PSInc, Khan, who also communicates with the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI) and maintains weekly contact with the organization’s leadership, emphasised that unity, transparency, and nation-building remain consistent themes in his discussions with the diaspora.

“As someone who works closely with ADDI, I can say that the African Diaspora is deeply interested in seeing Guyana succeed as one united people,” Khan stated. “They want to support development—not division. We must focus on real solutions, collaboration, and the future our ancestors dreamed of.”