The Guyana Police Force released a statement in an effort to apologize that noted, “The Guyana Police Force would like to apologize to Member of Parliament Mr. David Patterson, whose name inadvertently remained on an Immigration Department’s watchlist. Mr. Patterson’s name was placed on the watchlist in July 2023 during an ongoing investigation by the Police into accusation of indecent exposure. The Guyana Police Force has internal SOPs to deal with such issues, and a full probe is underway by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) as to why Mr. Patterson’s name was not removed earlier from the list. Mr. Patterson’s name has since been removed from the watchlist.”
Patterson’s Attorney noted in a statement, “APNU+AFC Member of Parliament David Patterson was last night blocked at the CJIA from attending a meeting with the US Black Congressional Caucus in Washington despite having clearance from a court to travel.”
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It was further noted, “On the evening of Tuesday 26th September 2023 David Patterson MP went to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport for the purposes of traveling to the United States to deliver a presentation on Guyana to the Black Congressional Caucus on Capitol Hill.”
Mr. Patterson was approached by immigration agents who informed him that he was not allowed to travel after he had passed through customs and immigration. In their response, they stated that although there was no such order, Mr. Patterson was unable to travel due to an issue in the system.
After being charged, Mr. Patterson contacted his lawyers at Hughes Fields and Stoby. They informed him that the magistrate had granted him permission to travel for business and professional purposes as long as he attended the court hearing either in person or online.
The lawyers then approached the immigration authorities and asked whether they had access to any court orders prohibiting Mr. Patterson from traveling.
In their response, they stated that while no official order existed and they were unaware of any such order, Mr. Patterson was unable to travel due to “something in the system.”
As Mr. Patterson’s constitutional right to travel would be infringed if he were barred from traveling, the attorneys invited the Officers to speak with the Head of Immigration immediately.
When the lawyers received a phone call back, they were told that they had been unable to reach the head or deputy head of immigration and that Mr. Patterson would not be allowed to leave the country because “something in the system” had prevented him from doing so.
The Congressional Black Caucus on Capitol Hill planned to hear remarks from Mr. Patterson today and tomorrow.
Mr. Patterson has ordered that legal action be taken against the State in a constitutional lawsuit for damages.
