Govt.’s plan to spend $100M from 2023 budget for IDPADA activities shows total disrespect for us – Alexander

The government’s allocation of $100M in the 2023 budget for “activities during the International Decade for People of African Decent” (IDPADA) is a total disregard for the current organization that is mandated to handle all activities during the decade. So says IDPADA-G Chairman, Vincent Alexander.

IDPADA-G, which comprises a Board of Directors, is in fact recognised by the United Nations as the body in charge of planned activities for Guyana. But the government’s recent move to allocate funds which will not be used by IDPADA-G, according to Alexander, is disrespectful.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday night during an interview with Guyanese Critic explained that the budgeted sum will go towards the “support and development of African people, but not through IDPADA-G.” But according to Alexander, this move by the administration goes against the mandate of the United Nations.

“We have been recognised by the United Nations as the coordinating organization for the decade in Guyana. And therefore we are invited to their forums and also their functions with regard to the work of all global organizations during this decade,” Alexander said.

Alexander was asked by Guyana Standard whether the Government’s move to procure funds for the IDPADA activities without consulting the mandated charter of the decade, was in fact boycotting the recognition of the UN.

Alexander responded, “In a sense it is boycotting not only what is recognised by the UN but also by local organizations… It is in contempt of us and it is also disrespectful.”

Meanwhile, during the interview, VP Jagdeo claimed that subventions given to IDPADA-G over the years were mismanaged. He further claimed that there were organizations that did not benefit from “state resources”.

“The three signatories to the account all came from the Cuffy250 Movement – one organization. The Rastafarians had issued a statement and said that because they didn’t want to be part of a political campaign, they were excluded. So it is a partisan movement,” Jagdeo said.

Jagdeo further claimed that a large sum of IDPADA-G subvention went to paying salaries. He added that the organization received a total of $468.4M. He expounded on what he claims was the 2020 financial report for IDPADA-G.

“Salaries and allowances $42 million, conference expenses, $4.5 million, traveling and transportation $2.8 million, advertisement $2 million, office material and expenses $9 million, building rental and utilities $5 million, disbursement of grant fund, how much they give out in grants to Afro Guyanese, $343,000,” Jagdeo said.

But in response to VP Jagdeo’s claims of mismanaging state funds, Alexander told this news outlet that IDPADA-G will leave the judicial system to make a decision on the matter. IDPADA-G recently filed a lawsuit against the administration. The organisation, through its Attorney Nigel Hughes, is seeking to have their annual subvention reinstated.