Guyana government revokes work permit of official in charge of US-funded 'democracy project'

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – A program that the United States says is intended to improve democracy in Guyana has come under fire from the government of the South American country.

Guyana officials revoked the work permit Wednesday of the official in charge of the Leadership and Democracy Project. Cabinet and Defense Secretary Roger Luncheon says the project should be put on hold until U.S. officials clarify its intent.

The U.S. Embassy had no immediate comment.

U.S. Ambassador D. Brent Hart has said the project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development is intended to build consensus in a divided country. It is run by Glen Bradbury, who has extensive government experience in his native Canada.

Supporters of Guyana President Donald Ramotar say the project is bolstering his opponents in the National Assembly.