DG Harmon dismisses claims that Haitians are being facilitated with documents
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Director-General (DG) of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon today dismissed the erroneous claims that Haitians entering the country are being facilitated with documents to participate in the ongoing House-to-House Registration process.
The Director-General was at the time responding to questions posed to him on Wednesday at the post-Cabinet media briefing. DG Harmon was asked about to provide clarity on the matter and if it had engaged the attention of Cabinet.
“That has not been brought to the attention of Cabinet,” the Director-General responded. He also said he is unaware of any information regarding foreigners who are not Commonwealth citizens being registered during the process.
Sections of the media have been carrying misleading reports that an underground operation is being run as the number of Haitians entering the country through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) have increased over the last few months.
Director-General (DG) of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister, Hon. Moses Nagamootoo urged that the singling out of Haitians entering Guyana for use as “political footballs” must stop. He made this call during interviews on INSIGHT on Voice of Guyana (VOG) 102.5FM and VYBZ 100.1FM at the National Communications Network (NCN Inc).
The Prime Minister explained that it is normal for persons to move from one place to another seeking betterment. This, he noted, happens across continents of the world. However, he condemned the ‘political ploy’ noting that it is an irresponsible act used to instil hatred of one set of people against the other. He has urged that such action be stopped.
“The opposition elements – political opposition, their allies and friends in this country are irresponsible, to use the statistics to imply that Haitians are coming here, and they are doing a disappearing act. [They are also implying] that they [Haitians] are being registered to vote. This is racism! This is xenophobia! This is instilling hatred of one set of people against another, and we have seen where this is taking the world.”