GUYANA | Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde Lashes out, Worrying trend in govt's approach towards dissent

WASHINGTON D.C., December 22, 2023 - In an era where the defense of democratic principles is more vital than ever, a recent over-reach by the Guyana government has sent shockwaves through the Guyanese Diaspora in the United States, Britain and the international community, challenging the very fabric of that country's democratic norms.

Opposition Member of Parliament, Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, has raised a clarion call against what he describes as an egregious breach of both national and international law by the government of Guyana.

The incident at the heart of this controversy involves the Guyana Police Force serving a defense summons overseas to Rickford Burke, a vocal critic of the Guyanese government, residing in Brooklyn, New York. 

This unprecedented action, executed on December 16, 2023, marks a worrying trend in the government's approach towards dissent, transcending national borders in a manner previously unseen.

On the 3rd December 2021, the Guyana Police Force issued a Wanted bulletin for Mr Burke in relation to the offences of excitement of hostility or ill-will on the grounds of Race, under the Racial Hostility Act; sedition under the Cyber Crime Act; use of a computer system to coerce and intimidate a person, under the Cyber Crime Act; seditious libel contrary to common law; seditious libel under the peace under the Summary Jurisdiction Offences Act, and inciting public terror under the Criminal Law Offences Act. Thwe police claimed that the summons was served on Burke at his Brooklyn home. Burke denied the police's claim.

The Guyana Police Force's assertion of authority beyond its geographical limits not only raises serious legal questions but also strikes at the heart of democratic governance.

More concerning is the silence and apparent acquiescence of the Attorney General of Guyana, Anil Nandlall, in the face of what Forde describes as a "patent and flagrant breach of the laws." 

This incident is not just an attack on an individual but a brazen assault on the sacrosanct principles of free speech and democratic discourse. In a functioning democracy, the right to criticize the government is not just a privilege but a cornerstone of healthy political engagement.

Forde's impassioned plea to the Guyanese, particularly those in the Diaspora, is a call to uphold the values of democracy and freedom. It is a reminder that the defense of these principles is not confined to national borders but is a global responsibility. 

The collective voice of the Guyanese community, amplified through social media and other platforms, is pivotal in combating any form of repression and safeguarding the liberties of individuals, both at home and abroad.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic values in the face of authoritarian impulses. It underscores the need for constant vigilance and collective action to protect the rights and freedoms that form the bedrock of any democracy. 

The fight against transnational repression is not just a battle for Guyana but a universal struggle, one that demands the unwavering commitment of every advocate of democracy and human rights.

The Guyana government's attempt to extend its legal reach into the United States, specifically targeting an outspoken critic, sets a dangerous precedent not only for Guyanese nationals but also for the international community. This act of transnational repression is a stark reminder of the lengths to which governments may go to silence dissent, even beyond their borders.

Forde's statement is not only a critique of the government's actions but also a rallying cry for the protection of fundamental human rights. He emphasizes the vital role of the diaspora in championing the cause of freedom and democracy. This incident has sparked a renewed sense of unity among Guyanese worldwide, galvanizing them to stand together against governmental overreach and to protect the rights of those who speak out against injustice.

The case of Rickford Burke is more than an isolated incident; it is a litmus test for the strength of democratic values in the face of governmental intimidation. Forde's call to action serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals and communities to uphold the principles of free speech and to resist any form of governmental oppression.

The collective response of the Guyanese diaspora serves as a powerful reminder that the spirit of democracy thrives not just within the geographical confines of a nation, but in the hearts and minds of its people, wherever they may be.

In conclusion, the actions of the Guyanese government against Rickford Burke are a wakeup call to the international community. It highlights the need for vigilance in protecting democratic values and human rights.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said "the fugitive" was properly served at his Brooklyn residence" in reference to Rickford Burke.

This incident reaffirms the importance of standing together in defense of the freedoms we cherish and the democratic ideals we strive to uphold.

The resilience and courage shown by the Guyanese people, both at home and abroad, offer a beacon of hope and a path forward in the ongoing quest for justice and liberty.

The unfolding saga surrounding Rickford Burke's summons and the Guyanese government's actions resonate far beyond the borders of Guyana, serving as a stark reminder of the challenges facing democracies worldwide.

This incident is not merely a domestic issue but a global call to action, underscoring the importance of safeguarding democratic principles and human rights everywhere.

Forde's unwavering stance and his call to action have sparked a broader discourse on the role of governments in respecting the rule of law and the sanctity of free speech.

His voice, joined by the chorus of Guyanese nationals and international observers, symbolizes the collective commitment to defending democratic values against all forms of repression.

As the world watches, the situation in Guyana becomes a critical case study in the balance of power between the state and its citizens. The resolve shown by the Guyanese diaspora, in standing up to governmental overreach, exemplifies the power of unified action in the face of adversity.

Their efforts are not only for the benefit of their homeland but also contribute to the larger global narrative of protecting democratic freedoms and human dignity.

In closing, the story of Rickford Burke and the response of the Guyanese people, both at home and abroad, is a testament to the enduring spirit of democracy. It is a reminder that the fight for freedom and justice transcends national boundaries and unites people across the globe in a shared quest for a more just and equitable world.

As we move forward, let this incident serve as a rallying point for all who cherish freedom, reminding us of the vigilance required to protect the liberties that form the cornerstone of our societies.

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