Manickchand under fire over attack on US envoy

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Priya Manickchand and outgoing US Ambassador to Guyana, Brent Hardt cutting the cake at the 238th independence anniversary of the United States of America at the ambassador’s residence at Cummings Lodge on Wednesday evening. Manickchand’s scathing attack on the Ambassador at the event evoked loud boos and jeering from the gathering. (GINA photo)

Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Priya Manickchand yesterday faced a wave of criticism over her attack on outgoing US ambassador Brent Hardt and diplomats say her actions disregarded protocol.

“When the Minister of Foreign Affairs speaks at a function to mark the departing of an ambassador, it is not a cuss down affair… it is to reflect on his/her works over the period and the areas strengthened between the two nations,” a former diplomat told Stabroek News.

Manickchand was jeered and booed during her remarks at a reception hosted at the ambassador’s residence on