Jagdeo: All Guyanese abroad, including ‘Melly Mel’, entitled to assistance

Vice President and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has reaffirmed that all Guyanese citizens, regardless of their location, are entitled to assistance from the government if they seek it through consulates or other government agencies abroad.

Dr Jagdeo made this statement during his weekly press conference in response to a media query regarding the recent detention of controversial figure Melissa “Melly Mel” Atwell.

He emphasised that every Guyanese abroad has the right to request assistance, “regardless of who they are and where they are.”

While clarifying that the government may not necessarily provide legal representation for every individual, he stated that all citizens are “entitled to equal representation.”

When asked specifically whether Atwell would receive the same treatment, he confirmed that if she requests assistance from the government, she will be entitled to the same rights as any other citizen.

Atwell was detained last week by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and is scheduled to appear before Judge Francis Mwangi on 28 March.