GUYANA | Rickford Burke Raises Alarm Over Surveillance and Threats to His Safety in Brooklyn, NY

Brooklyn, New York – December 19, 2023 -  Rickford Burke, the President of the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), has voiced serious concerns regarding his safety following incidents of surveillance near his home in Brooklyn, conducted by individuals allegedly linked to the government of Guyana.

Recent events have escalated to a worrying degree, with Mr. Burke reporting unsettling surveillance activities around his residence. On one occasion, he encountered an individual, described as a tall Black male, covertly recording his home in the early hours of the morning.

This person fled when Mr. Burke attempted to identify him, disappearing into a vehicle that quickly left the scene.

Notably, this vehicle has been traced back to individuals working for the PPP government of Guyana.

Further alarming reports include neighbors witnessing armed individuals, believed to be associated with the Guyana Consulate in New York, conducting surveillance.

This raises serious questions about the motives and legality of such actions, far from the shores of Guyana.

Amid these troubling developments, CGID has taken action by reaching out to both the White House and the State Department, urging an investigation into these incidents and seeking sanctions against the PPP government.

This comes in the context of a heated dispute between Burke and Guyana's Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, particularly over allegations of systemic racism by the PPP government against the African Guyanese community.

In a concerning twist, Guyana's Attorney General Anil Nandlall, currently under investigation by US authorities for allegedly inciting violence against Mr. Burke, appears to be involved in a retaliatory campaign.

This includes directing the Guyana Police Force to levy false cybercrime charges against Mr. Burke, who has been a law-abiding US resident since migrating in 1992 and has no criminal history.

The tension escalates as the PPP government's accusations against Burke seem to be a part of a broader strategy to extradite him to Guyana under dubious charges, ostensibly as retribution for his vocal opposition to their policies.

The US Government has already dismissed these requests, citing constitutional rights violations.

CGID remains resolute in the face of these threats, committed to continuing its advocacy against racism, corruption, and unjust practices under the PPP government.

The organization has warned of serious consequences should these actions escalate into violence or repression, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice.

In conclusion, Mr. Burke and CGID say they stand undeterred, intent on ending what they describe as the PPP's war against African Guyanese, both within and outside Guyana.

This situation unfolds against the backdrop of increasing tensions in the region, particularly concerning Guyana's security amid Venezuelan territorial claims.