The Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) has released a statement countering claims made by Vickram Bharrat, Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources, regarding his encounter with federal agents upon his arrival at JFK International Airport in New York last night.
Contrary to Bharrat’s assertions in various PPP-affiliated media outlets, including the Guyana Daily News, CGID has verified through sources in Washington that Bharrat was indeed met by FBI and Homeland Security agents. These agents intended to detain and question him, as well as examine his telephone. Although Bharrat underwent preliminary questioning, he was not fully interrogated. The engagement with federal agents determined certain facts, leading to the discontinuation of questioning, and he was subsequently allowed entry into the United States.
Bharrat has publicly claimed that federal agents merely facilitated his expedited processing through Immigration and Customs, a statement CGID dismisses as false. Readers will remember that former PS Mae Thomas made the same statement after she was stopped by US agents in the United States. According to CGID, Bharrat, a low-level functionary, does not qualify for U.S. law enforcement protection. Moreover, federal agents do not process even the most senior dignitaries, including heads of state, who are instead handled by consulate protocol officers and State Department officials.
CGID asserts that suspected criminals are typically met by FBI and Homeland Security agents, allegeding that Bharrat is on the U.S. money laundering watch list. The organization criticizes Bharrat’s attempt to mislead the public and underscores that informed individuals will not be deceived by his statements.
As the situation develops, CGID calls for transparency and accountability regarding Bharrat’s activities and the true nature of his encounter with federal agents.