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WEEK ENDING MAY 24, 2015 | guyanatimeSinternational.com
Several questions which GECOM must answer
Dear Editor, Growing up, it was almost impossible to escape the blathering noises about the ‘rigged elections’ in the 1980s and before. Many times, conveniently, those seemingly redundant avowals began to sink in as pure hogwash. The reason was simple. I did not exist in that epoch, why be bothered by such confabulations. However, things took a melancholic turn. History repeated itself. The famous Karl Marx warnings came alive: “History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.” Never in my wildest imagination had I envisioned that the generation of this era would have to bear witness of the evils of rigging. The dreadful elections of 2015 evoked sentimentalities of a lost system of justice, where philosophies promoting ideas such as free and fairness were sacrificed. The gains for such heinous acts will not aid the nation’s healing process in the already delicate and feeble Guyana. Perhaps an investigation into such evils still dawdles in the embryonic stage, but it must be pursued. Joe Stalin’s words, though penetrating, come to mind: “It doesn’t matter who votes, it matters who counts the votes.” The biggest
antagonist in this façade downheartedly is the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM); the entrusted legitimate referee of this nation’s democracy. GECOM refusal to follow to the explicit rulings of People’s Representation Act on recounting procedures sets a dangerous precedence. Such actions bring deep resentment which will lead to further polarization of the people of Guyana. The perception of cheating breeds contempt. GECOM destroyed every iota of trust conferred upon them. The 200,000 plus of people who spoke through ballots may never forgive the current leadership of GECOM. An overhaul is inevitable to regain the element of trust. There is no other way. From the Chairman, Commissioners, Secretariat Staff, Returning Officers and their subsets must be replaced! Inefficiency, nepotism, poor management tactics, fake Statement of Polls and denial of recount are some of the contributing factors that lead to GECOM’s ship to sink. What is the purpose of the recounting guidelines if it cannot be upheld when necessary? The Standard
Operating Procedures must be reviewed by an independent body; thereby leading to a new setup at GECOM. It is regrettable the stint of the relatively new CEO is marred with this controversy. Armed with an abundance of experience in election management, how could the CEO become trapped in this disgraceful occurrence? Did he trust the wrong set of people? Under his watchful eyes, such devious evil acts of rigging relive. The Guyanese public demand answers! Whether it was one fake SOP or 50 discovered, no doubt, the integrity of the process has been compromised. Brushing it aside as having no significant impact on the election results is dotish. The issue is not the result, but the authenticity of the mechanism adopted to capture, tabulate and transmit the voter’s intent. The action of a former CEO of GT&T sets a professional standard worthy of emulating. When it was discovered that financial irregularities slipped under his watch, he bowed out. GECOM officials should follow suit. I am truly disappointed with GECOM. Disappointed New York-based Guyanese
New Govt must be accountable for implementing changes promised Dear Editor, Help and Shelter extends congratulations to President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and the APNU-AFC coalition government on their elections success. As Guyana prepares for a new government, we at Help and Shelter remain steadfast in our mission to contribute to bringing about a society where attitudes to the use of violence and practices of violence have been transformed. We continue to believe that the culture of tolerance of violence can be changed through education; that everyone is a unique and valuable person; in the equal rights of all human beings and that no one has the right to be violent to another
human being. We also remain steadfast in our commitment to work to build respect for the rights of women, children, youth and men to live free from violence and the threat of violence, and to assist women, children, youth and men to develop alternative ways of handling power, resolving conflict and widening options for survivors of gender-based violence. The task of securing a regime change having been achieved, the new government must be held to account for implementing all the changes promised during the elections campaign. We sincerely hope that ministerial and other appointments will be guided by the overrid-
ing need for competency, integrity, transparency and full accountability. We also fervently hope that all Guyanese, irrespective of their age, gender, race, political allegiance, etc. will be prepared to work toward promoting greater unity in order that our country can fulfill its enormous potential. Help and Shelter looks forward to working with the new government in relation to the reduction of violence in all its forms, services for victims of domestic and sexual violence, child abuse and trafficking in persons and the effective implementation (and where necessary amendment) of all relevant laws and regulations. Help and Shelter
The newly-elected administration will need to deliver results
Dear Editor, Congratulations to the newly-elected officials of Guyana. You truly deserve to celebrate your accomplishment. We all sing “Dear land of Guyana” and I truly believe that no matter how far away you roam, creek water and labba will draw you back to “O beautiful Guyana”, so I celebrate with you! The people have spoken, though by a small margin, but they have spoken for a change. This change is not only for a new administration. It is for a new culture within the administration. The people need to know, without any doubt, that they have strong leaders. Leaders whose agenda represents the best interests of the people and the country. We need leaders who value people. The timing is right. It’s a time when this newly elected administration can leverage the skills, talents and resources available both locally and internationally to truly move Guyana into the 21st century.
Of the many things that are at the top of the agenda, I think first, you will need to win over those who are still doubtful and will be apprehensive. The margin of victory clearly proves that there’s a great divide amongst the people. Guyana is a diverse nation that lacks unity. Over the past few days the international press corps have seen this division and they have reported on it to a great degree. The new administration need to work to change this image. Guyana is a nation of six peoples/races. It’s time to see people for who they are and not the texture of their hair or the colour of their skin. Let’s build a nation where everyone truly feels like a Guyanese. It is possible. Then, we need an administration which is disciplined and professional in their operations. Any appointed Minister who shows lack of respect for citizens and abuse of power doesn’t deserve to be a representative of the Government and must not be allowed.
Any representative whose conduct is unbecoming of an elected official doesn’t deserve to represent the people of Guyana. The people of Guyana deserve better. It is my strong belief that if there is a culture of respect, discipline and professionalism, amongst other qualities and character traits, at the top of the pyramid, it will cascade down to the bottom. It will take time, but it must be done. The next five years is where the real victory lies. The citizens of Guyana will need to be patient for change to come but, they must see evidence. The newly elected administration will need to deliver results. To the people of Guyana, everyone, be humble and gracious. Think about this: Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison and when he was elevated to his destiny, he was humbled and forgiving. One People, One Nation, One Destiny! A Patriot
Political leaders must work towards achieving national unity Dear Editor, The newly-elected President of the Guyana has made an excellent move for national unity when he invited his predecessor Donald Ramotar to join his unity government. In his speech at the swearing in ceremony President David Granger extended the olive branch in his quest for national and racial unity. Several attempts were made in the past for coalition governments, but it seems as if Granger’s call last Saturday is most sincere. The former Army Brigadier will be leading for the first time ever a multinational, inclusionary government – A
Partnership for National Unity (APNU) plus Alliance For Change (AFC). The APNU/AFC coalition narrowly defeated the PPP/C which was in power for 23 years. It was a keenly contested election and he opposition forces led by Granger and Moses Nagamootoo of the AFC, who was a former PPP/C strongman. Granger said, “Let us now put the past behind us and live in unity and banish poverty, ignorance, fear and hatred.” President Granger emphasized that he will encourage lawmakers to be faithful to their office and said that his administration will strive to re-
store democracy. He appealed to Guyanese that the damage to the nation should not push them to allow hate to fester within their hearts, but serve as another driving force for all to be more determined to refashion the country. The diaspora has been monitoring the campaign and the delay in declaring the election results via the numerous media in modern day technology, especially Facebook. An inauguration ceremony is slated for May 26, the 49th anniversary of Guyana’s Independence, at the National Stadium. Oscar Ramjeet
Concerns in the APNU/AFC camp Dear Editor, Reliable sources suggest that the political partners in the APNU/ AFC coalition are becoming increasingly concerned that they are being sidelined by the major partner, the PNC, in the aftermath of the May 11 elections. Since the elections and the swearing in of President David
Grainger, there has been no meeting of the Executive of the APNU faction of the APNU/AFC coalition to discuss issues relative to the running of the government. The APNU partners, it is understood, are even more concerned that the process of selection of Cabinet members and members of other positions in the new govern-
ment has begun without them even being privy or part of the discussions surrounding these discussions and decisions. The parties, sources say, are concerned that this is not a good sign for the future of the coalition if the PNC will continue to operate in this manner. Michael Brown