Letter: Many GOPIO members do not want Nagamootoo at its awards dinner
THE Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), headquartered in New York, is having its annual general meeting and awards dinner on Saturday, June 25, 2016 in Queens, New York.
Several of the organization’s members are Guyanese from Guyana as well as from around the diaspora.
The organization has reportedly invited Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo as its guest of honour at the awards ceremony that is mired in controversy.
It is noted that the organization is experiencing internal conflict and controversy over several issues that may adversely impact on the Prime Minister – place his reputation into disrepute.
GOPIO should be applauded for engaging the government of Guyana and the Prime Minister to assist with developmental objectives. It is indisputable that GOPIO has access to countless resources that would be beneficial to Guyana. However, while GOPIO wants to be helpful and it is good for Guyana’s Prime Minister to be profiled on a global platform, Nagamootoo should not be caught up in the internal controversy of organizations no matter how noble the intentions as GOPIO’s are.
It is understood that GOPIO members are split over the Nagamootoo’s attendance saying the internal conflict should be resolved before the Nagamootoo graced the event as members don’t want him to appear to support any side in a conflict – the Prime Minister must be above controversy.
There have been many back and forth correspondences among GOPIO members on the internet about the organizing of the event and exclusion of certain members and matters pertaining to the composition of its executive.
It is the feeling among several members that the PM should consider gracefully declining the invitation at this time while the organization works on resolving its internal issues and challenges.
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