In what some describe as a stunningly ill-advised display of prioritizing economic interests and political allegiance over the pursuit of truth and addressing of human rights concerns, Kester Hutson, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), and Halim Khan, Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc., have plunged headfirst into the political fray, drawing sharp criticism for their uninformed comments against a purported call for boycott against Guyanese companies in the US which entertained Guyana President Irfaan Ali without questioning him about egregious human rights abuses against African Guyanese at home.
Their selective and uniformed statements, as reported by the Guyana Chronicle, have raised eyebrows among concerned citizens, particularly within the Afro-Guyanese community, who feel abandoned by the very figures entrusted to advocate for their rights.
Hutson, in his ill-conceived remarks, branded the alleged call for a boycott as “disruptive,” failing to acknowledge the egregious human rights abuses against Afro-Guyanese in Guyana. Instead, he callously prioritized economic gains, suggesting that boycotting local companies would be detrimental to the economy. This, despite his glaring silence on issues such as the displacement of the Mocha people, the wrongful termination of Afro-Guyanese workers, and the systemic discrimination faced by African business people.
Moreover, Khan’s statements echoed a similar sentiment of political support for President Ali, completely disregarding the legitimate grievances of the Afro-Guyanese community. His call for unity behind the presidency conveniently ignores the stark reality of injustice and marginalization faced by countless individuals under Ali’s administration.
Anonymous voices within the African business community have expressed deep frustration and disillusionment with both Hutson and Khan’s actions, highlighting their hypocrisy in meddling in political affairs while turning a blind eye to the suffering of Afro-Guyanese citizens.
One anonymous business person lamented, “Hutson and Khan have remained silent as African business people are short-changed and wronged by the government of Guyana. Their selective outrage only serves to further marginalize our community and perpetuate injustice.”
The community’s disappointment in these leaders’ failure to address pressing human rights issues is palpable. Instead of advocating for justice and equality, Hutson and Khan have chosen to prioritize their own economic interests, leaving the plight of the Afro-Guyanese community unaddressed and ignored.
In a requested comment, another Afro-Guyanese business person who in fear of retribution chose to remain anonymous stated that, “for the sake of Guyana’s future and the integrity of its leadership, it is important that those in positions of influence uphold the principles of justice, equality, and human rights, regardless of economic considerations. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the people they claim to represent.”