President Ali: ‘My commitment and desire to destroy racism will succeed’

RECOGNISING the challenges that must be overcome while celebrating the country’s successes, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to removing the destructive element of racism from the Guyanese society.

In an interview on the government’s third year in office, President Ali firmly stated that Guyana is already on the path of destroying the scourge

“I assure you today that my commitment and my desire to destroy racism, to destroy disunity, to remove it from the psyche of our people, to disallow the intellectual authors [from using] it will succeed,” the Guyanese leader posited

He added , “ It will succeed because of my strong commitment and belief in the spirit of Guyanese ; in what makes us the Guyanese people And I believe very strongly, that we are on the path of removing this de - structive element of regression from the psyche of our nation, and that will be a tremendous accomplishment.”

To achieve this and many other national tasks, the head of state said the government has had the extraneous task of trying to get the political opposition on board with the vision.

“ That ’ s a great challenge to ensure that in this political environment in which we want to build this ‘One Guyana’, that we get the opposition to understand that democratic principles and values, are not seasonal principles and values ,

–– as gov’t continues to chart way forward

that the rule of law is not seasonal, [and] that respect for the rights of people is not seasonal,” the president underscored

Already, the government has reappointed eight commissioners to sit on the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC).

The ERC promotes harmony and good relations between citizens of different ethnic groups and discourages and prohibits persons, institutions , political par - ties , and associations from indulging in, advocating, or promoting discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity

This forms part of the fulfilment of the administration’s manifesto promise to equip the ERC to actively fight against stereotyping and racism

The commission also investigates any issues affecting ethnic relations, thereby promoting the elimination of all forms of ethnic discrimination. (DPI)

Guyana Honorary Consul voices deep concerns over InterCaribbean Airlines

THE

Consul in and Barbuda , Mr . Robert Reis, has issued a statement expressing profound worry over the series of customer service issues reported in connection with InterCaribbean Airlines

In the past six weeks, passengers across several destinations served by the airline have faced the brunt of flight cancellations and delays, leading to mounting dissatisfaction and outrage

The complaints have raised growing concerns about the airline’s apparent lack of attention to these matters and their handling agents ’ inadequate response Affected travellers have reported a lack of empathy and accountability, urging the airline to address these issues promptly

Of particular concern are the experiences of the Guyanese community travelling from Tortola , BVI, Montserrat, and Antigua to Guyana

These passengers, often with connecting flights over considerable distances , have been severely impacted by the disruptions, leading to additional financial burdens and significant inconvenience with little concern shown for their plight

Mr Reis highlighted that compensation has not been provided to the affected travellers in Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, and Guyana, forcing passengers to make alternative travel arrangements at their own expense.

In response to this pressing issue , Mr Reis has respectfully called on the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Guyana to engage with InterCaribbean Airlines

As the governments have granted permission for the airline to operate within the region, they are rightly positioned to insist on the fulfillment of contractual service agreements

Recent incidents , including the stranding of a family with small children from Montserrat at the VC Bird International Airport in Antigua and the excessive delays and cancellations faced by passengers, have underscored the urgency of the matter

The additional costs incurred by travellers and the seeming indifference from handling agents only compound the distress

The Honorary Consul acknowledges the potential role InterCaribbean Airlines could play in regional travel but stresses that the airline must improve its performance , while governments must safeguard the interests of passengers He commends the Travel Agents Association of Guyana for bringing this matter to the government’s attention

In conclusion, Mr. Reis urges all relevant stakeholders to come together to address this situation promptly

It is in the best interest of all parties , especially the travelling public, to ensure that the service provided meets the standards of reliability, empathy, and professionalism that they rightly expect and deserve