Gov’t revokes work permit of LEAD project head

Glenn Bradbury (right) with US Ambassador Brent Hardt (left) and members of parliament at the launching of the LEAD project in July of 2013. (SN file photo)

The Government of Guyana has revoked the work permit and extension of stay of the Head of the controversial US Leadership and Democracy project.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, made the revelation at his weekly press briefing today. He ventured that the revocation of Glen Bradbury’s work permit and extension of stay was “based on the conclusion that the immigration laws of Guyana have been offended by Mr Bradbury and his actions in Guyana.”

Dr Luncheon stated that “it is a fact that the revocation has taken place and it is equally a fact that Mr Bradbury, a Canadian citizen has had the revocation brought to the attention both of his employer, the US government through its Ambassador and through the Canadian High Commission.”

The revocation of Bradbury’s work permit would be seen as an escalation of the row with the US over the project. It comes after the US had stated that it was going to ahead with the project with other stakeholders notwithstanding the government’s objections.

Luncheon told members of the media that Guyana was committed to re-engage in the LEAD project but that this would not be possible if the current activities of the LEAD Project were to be implemented. He said that cabinet had reached out to the American Ambassador, Brent Hardt, and requested that the implementation of the project be put on hold.

Dr Luncheon said that the American Ambassador committed to a formal response in a timely manner. On April 24, Luncheon met with Hardt and expressed again government’s position on the contentious USAID-funded project and the Ambassador promised to communicate it to his government.

Glenn Bradbury (right) with US Ambassador Brent Hardt (left) and members of parliament at the launching of the LEAD project in July of 2013. (SN file photo)
Glenn Bradbury (right) with US Ambassador Brent Hardt (left) and members of parliament at the launching of the LEAD project in July of 2013. (SN file photo)