Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday urged the opposition to direct their protests against the U.S. government, rather than the Guyanese government, over the arrest and detention of social media activist Melissa Atwell, who was recently detained by U.S. immigration authorities.
Dr. Jagdeo addressed Tuesday’s protests at the Square of the Revolution, where opposition figures and anti-PPP forces voiced their concerns. While emphasising that it is every Guyanese citizen’s right to stage a protest, Dr. Jagdeo asserted that the matter lies within the jurisdiction of the U.S. government and not the PPP administration.
He said those who engaged in the protest were being misguided.
“We are not going to get sucked into a debate around Ms. Atwell,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
“What I can tell you factually is that we do not control ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] in the United States of America. If there is a problem with U.S. immigration policies, the opposition should protest directly to the U.S. government.”
The Vice President was responding to claims that the PPP administration had somehow influenced U.S. policies regarding Atwell’s treatment.
He pointed out that these claims were largely being advanced by anti-PPP figures.
“If they object to Trump’s policies, and they should say that clearly,” Dr. Jagdeo continued. “Do not bring the PPP into it.”
Dr. Jagdeo explained that whether Atwell remains in the U.S. or returns to Guyana is entirely a matter for the U.S. government to decide. He added, “If she stays there, we wish her well. If she comes home, she is welcomed as a Guyanese citizen.”
He also emphasised that the government cannot control what Ms. Atwell says, whether she is in the U.S. or in Guyana, noting, “As General Secretary of the PPP, it doesn’t matter where she is located or what she says. I know the people of this country will recognise that the PPP party, despite what is said, will not be affected.”
Addressing the issue of U.S. immigration policy, Dr. Jagdeo explained that when ICE detains an individual, it is typically for immigration-related reasons.
He acknowledged that Atwell had claimed U.S. citizenship, though if this is the case, her situation would be unusual, but not unprecedented.
“If she is indeed a U.S. citizen, then it would be unusual, but if not, she may face further difficulties.”
Atwell will now make her appearance before a US Immigration Judge on Friday, March 28. She was originally scheduled to make an appearance on June 25 and a new Judge has been appointed to hear the matter.
She is detained in Louisiana where she was transferred after being arrested in New York last Thursday.
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