AFC deplores Manickchand attack on US envoy

The Alliance For Change today denounced the attack last evening by acting Foreign Minister Priya Manickchand on outgoing US Ambassador Brent Hardt at a reception at the Ambassador’s residence to mark the US’s independence anniversary.

The AFC release follows.

The Alliance For Change listened to and subsequently read with increasing horror the  language of the acting Foreign Affairs Minister Ms Priya Manickchand on the occasion of the celebration of the anniversary of America’s Independence at the Ambassador’s residence on the evening of the July 2, 2014.

No doubt inspired by the old Guyanese folk song “Oh Satira”, the Minister displayed behaviour that even the most socially challenged citizens would be hard pressed to admit let alone defend.

Not only was the Republic embarrassed by the tone and sentiments expressed by the Minister but also the occasion and circumstances in which they were delivered were unforgivable.

The Alliance For Change wishes, in the strongest possible terms to disassociate itself from the statements made by the Honourable Minister as they clearly do not reflect the sentiments of the people of Guyana who have continuously expressed their support and gratitude for Ambassador Hardt in his unfailing and persistent efforts to advance the quality and way of life of all Guyanese.

We view the tenure of Ambassador Hardt’s posting to Guyana as extremely positive and beneficial to the national good.

We take this opportunity to express our thanks to him and wish him the very best in his continued professional progress.

Perhaps the Minister should have taken note of the geography and circumstances in which “Satira” found herself when she opted to express her personal views on loss and despair.