Opposition Leader declines to meet outgoing Canadian diplomat
– cites “urgent political commitments” as reasons
– accuses envoy of breach of diplomatic protocol among other matters
Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon has written to outgoing Canadian High Commissioner Lillian Chatterjee denying her request for a farewell courtesy call planned for December 9, 2020.
![](https://guyanatimesgy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Lillian-Chatterjee.jpg)
In his letter, Harmon cited “urgent political commitments” for his refusal to engage Chatterjee but on the other hand highlighted matters of concern during her tenure in Guyana.
“During your tenure in Guyana, a matter of concern was the role which the High Commission played in facilitating the departure of Charrandas Persaud from Guyana immediately after he had voted against the APNU+AFC Coalition in the National Assembly. Of equal concern were the breaches of Diplomatic Protocol which took place during the electoral count of votes for the March 2020 Elections,” the missive to the Canadian envoy stated.
High Commissioner Chatterjee is scheduled to take up her post in Barbados in the new year and has been meeting with public officials.
Despite refusing to meet with her, Harmon said that he hopes the good relations between Guyana and Canada can continue and added that he anticipates a meeting with Chatterjee’s successor.
![](https://guyanatimesgy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/JOESEPH_HARMON_JuLY2019.jpg)