CIA activities in Guyana

CIA activities in Guyana refers to the actions of the United States Central Intelligence Agency in Guyana. Information on the the CIA's assessment and actions are limited to 1966 and 1967.

Guyana 1966

In a U.S. National Intelligence Estimate focused on Guyana's short term with the the major conclusions as stated British Guyana would make a smooth transistion to independence, however, East Indians and people of African descent may have problems with each other within Guyana's political scene.

Guyana 1967

A covert action was proposed to the 303 Committee, an oversight committee of United States covert operations stated: "It is established U.S. Government policy that Cheddi Jagan, East Indian Marxist leader of the pro-Communist People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in Guyana, will not be permitted to take over the government of an independent Guyana. Jagan has the electoral support of the East Indians, who are approximately 50% of the total population of Guyana. It is believed that Jagan has a good chance of coming to power in the next elections unless steps are taken to prevent this. Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, leader of the majority People’s National Congress (PNC) in the coalition, is aware of the problem, and has stated that he is fully prepared to utilize the electoral machinery at his disposal to ensure his own re-election. Burnham has initiated steps for electoral registration of Guyanese at home and abroad.

In a meeting (deleted text) on September 16, 1966, Burnham requested money for various political purposes and outlined his plans to issue identification cards to all Guyanans above the age of 10, and to identify and register all Guyanans of African ancestry in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States in order to get their absentee votes in the next elections.

According to an April 10 memorandum for the record, the 303 Committee approved this proposal at its April 7 meeting. (deleted text) emphasized during the Committee’s discussion the importance of starting early in the implementation of the proposal.