The GHRA has expressed concerns regarding the arrest of social media influencer Melissa Atwell, linking it to the discriminatory policies of the Trump administration, which threaten legal residents of color. The organization also highlights efforts to pressure Caribbean nations to deport Cuban doctors and urges Guyana to support regional allies while emphasizing the importance of principled politics against US influence.
The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has raised concerns regarding the recent arrest of social media personality Melissa Atwell, indicating that her detention represents a troubling trend of the United States administration’s policies affecting legal residents of color. Atwell, known for her critiques of corruption, has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and transferred to Richwood Correctional Centre, a facility known for holding prominent detainees awaiting deportation.
The GHRA further noted that Atwell’s arrest coincides with a meeting between Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali and US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, suggesting a link between political actions and her detention. The Vice-President of Guyana, Jagdeo, claimed ignorance of her situation, despite the GHRA’s assertion that this incident exemplifies the ruling party’s history of retaliating against critics with legal measures.
Beyond Atwell’s case, the GHRA criticized the broader “xenophobic policies” of the Trump administration, asserting that these policies pose risks to various demographics, including legal residents and those born in the US. They expressed concern that the drive to remove undocumented immigrants disproportionately impacts people of color, regardless of their legal status.
Additionally, the GHRA highlighted a recent directive from the Trump administration compelling Caribbean nations to deport Cuban medical personnel. Guyana benefits significantly from Cuban medical aid, yet it has thus far refrained from publicly opposing this directive, likely due to its reliance on US support amidst vulnerabilities, particularly from Venezuela. In contrast, leaders from Trinidad, Barbados, and St. Vincent have openly reaffirmed their support for Cuban doctors.
The GHRA asserts that Guyana’s dependence on the US, particularly in the oil sector dominated by ExxonMobil, complicates its ability to resist US directives. The organization posits that the ruling party in Guyana faces isolation due to its actions. They further recommend that Guyana explore opportunities to support CARICOM partners on pressing climate and financial challenges, promoting solidarity among nations.
Ultimately, the GHRA emphasizes the urgent need for principled political action in Guyana, warning against the dangerous path of overlooking fundamental rights in favor of alignment with questionable US policies, which they suggest the current administration is poised to exploit.
In summary, the GHRA has articulated significant concerns regarding the arrest of Melissa Atwell, linking it to broader patterns of discriminatory policies emanating from the Trump administration that threaten the status of people of color in the US. They criticized the administration’s pressures on Caribbean nations to deport Cuban medical personnel and highlighted the implications of Guyana’s political dependence on the US. The GHRA advocates for solidarity within the Caribbean and urges principled political engagement to safeguard both national and regional interests.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
