Presidential Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Irfaan Ali has been prevented from traveling to Canada, where he was scheduled to attend a series of meetings and events.
Ali, who was scheduled to leave Guyana on Tuesday, said that the High Commission of Canada, which is based in Trinidad and Tobago, has since “advised” him not to travel and cited the 19 charges against him by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).
Ali, in a statement, said that he has since responded to the Canadian High Commission.
See his full statement issued Wednesday:
Statement by Irfaan Ali, PPP/C Presidential Candidate
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
I have noted the mischief being peddled on the social media in relation to my visit to Canada. As was publicised, I have a series of meetings and events with the Diaspora planned in Toronto, Canada. I was scheduled to leave Guyana, on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at 10:20am, via Caribbean Airlines: BW 0600 flight.
On Monday, January 28, 2019, at 4:05pm, I received a correspondence from the High Commission of Canada, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, advising me of a report in relation to the 19 trumped-up charges by SOCU. In the correspondence, they advised me not to travel and gave 30 days to respond to the correspondence.
Contrary to social media reports, I am in possession of a valid passport and visa to Canada. I have also since contacted the Canadian High Commissioner, in Georgetown, Guyana who is looking into the matter.
As I await the outcome, I assure all Guyanese in the Diaspora of my utmost respect and regard for them and the circumstances surrounding my travel to Canada at this time is beyond my control.
