Mar 04, 2020  News

---

Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Keith Lowenfield has made it clear that the official results of the elections must be declared by the GECOM, and that persons should not look for that information in any other place.
Lowenfield was at the time responding to questions about rumours of the election results circulating social media. The question was raised by Trinidadian journalist Andy Johnson at GECOM‘s midday post-elections press briefing yesterday.
Johnson spoke of claims heard by some in Trinidad that the PPP/C had won the elections. According to the reporter, some Trinidadians are already in celebratory mode on the basis of information circulated on social media that the PPP had secured victory.
“They are already celebrating and sending congratulatory messages. There are numbers that have circulated saying that the PPP/C has won the elections and people are heralding the new President. How do you respond to that?”
In response, Lowenfield iterated that GECOM is the only entity authorized to declare the results.
According to the CEO, GECOM is not even at the stage where declarations are made from districts to the Returning Officers (ROs).
“I think I was very pellucid before that we aren’t even at that stage where we have the declarations by districts by the respective ROs. Therefore, there is no declaration by the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of the results of the elections for 2020.”
“Even if a media house has gone through the process of obtaining results by polling stations and does their own calculation, they would arrive at unofficially who would have won and who would have lost. But as far as GECOM is concerned, we have not yet arrived at that stage at this moment.”

At the press conference yesterday, it was the first instance that GECOM released any preliminary results, as the online portal provided previously by GECOM failed to work. Those results only accounted for 139 out of 2,339 polling stations. They could not have been, by any stretch of the imagination, indicative of the national situation.
It was only until later in the afternoon that the portal started to work and showed few updates as statements of poll were verified by GECOM.
However, the CEO noted that it would take a while for GECOM to completely tabulate all the results. He had previously said that he expected the returning officers for each district to have already declared the district’s results by noon. That was not the case.
GECOM Chair, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, also addressed the gathering at the press conference, asking the public to be patient and to allow GECOM to do its work.
At the point in time that the press conference was held, GECOM had already collected most of the statements of poll from around the country, save for some situated in remote areas, like some parts of Region Eight.
While GECOM did have a majority of the statements of poll, Lowenfield explained that it is important for the documents to pass through an administrative process meant to verify their accuracy, and to ensure that the election results are beyond reproach.
Unfortunately, in the meantime, fake and/or sensationalized news has festered on social media platforms.
Fake news has been circulating on Facebook, for instance, in abundance. Late yesterday, GECOM released a statement advising the public to be aware of a fake Facebook page, purporting to be that of the Commission.
The page, going under the alias ‘Guyanas Election Commissions’ “has been releasing inaccurate information with an intent to cause mischief and confusion,” GECOM stated.
GECOM stressed that persons must be “alert and ignore all such content.”
All official updates will be posted on GECOM’s official page.
The GECOM’s official website, www.guyanaelections.com is where all updates pertaining to the recently held General and Regional elections can be found.

Source: https://issuu.com/gxmedia/docs/mar042020

Mar 04, 2020  News

---

Two esteemed members of the diplomatic community congratulated the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for a job well done in its production of fair and credible elections.

Commissioner, Greg Quinn and US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch spoke to the press on the sidelines of a press conference held at the GECOM media centre yesterday, downtown Georgetown.
Lynch said that the day went smoothly, and that that is a great accomplishment.
“I was out in several regions yesterday (Monday), I went to a couple of polling stations in Bartica, Essequibo, Linden and Skeldon also Rose Hall and New Amsterdam and, in each case, the process was well run and smooth.”
Quinn also noted no irregularities during the electoral process, adding that it went just as it needed to.
At this juncture, the public awaits a speedy tabulation and announcement of the results by GECOM.
Both members of the diplomatic community urged calm, and added that GECOM needs ample time to verify the results.
“We have to wait and let GECOM do what it needs to do,” Quinn said.
GECOM had provided an online portal for persons to view preliminary results at the end of E-Day on March 2.
However, the failure of the portal to work was the source of much public frustration. It was only until late afternoon yesterday that the portal began to work, and is periodically updated while the public awaits the full election results.

Source: https://issuu.com/gxmedia/docs/mar042020

Hundreds of Berbicians, among them many first time voters, disabled persons, the elderly and party members for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, APNU+AFC, FED-UP along with regional officials turned up at their respective polling places to cast their votes for the political party of their choice. While many reported that the process of voting was smooth, some opined that it was slow with minor hiccups.Despite the few alleged setbacks in the region as it relates to persons turning up to vote at the polling stations only to be turned back because their names were not found on the list, Election’s Day in Berbice up until press time was relatively smooth and quiet. By around 15:00 hrs, many of the persons had already cast their ballots and went back to their homes. Foreign and local observers were visible at the all the polling stations throughout District Six. Party representatives were also strategically placed in sub-divisions throughout the region checking the list to ensure that the voters’ names were on it and providing persons with assistance.Regional Chairman, David Armogan, who had to vote at the Viola Nursery School polling place with his family, cast his ballot confidently just around 8:00 am.
He noted that the process was “pretty smooth”. Armogan said he visited polling stations throughout Berbice and had positive reports thus far. He added, “There were long lines at places like Canje and New Amsterdam.
This is a good sign that people are willing to exercise their franchise”. He mentioned that the only complaint he had during his visits was the slow process.
Prime Minister Representative for the Region, Gobin Harbhajan, also expressed pleasure in the voting process when he turned up to vote at his polling station early.
He said that he was out visiting polling stations from as early as 5:30 am. He said he observed persons trickling out their homes very early and waiting at the locations until polls opened at 6:00 am to vote.
He added that based on what he saw for most of the day, young voters were making the effort to cast their votes.
Opposition party executive Dr. Leslie Ramasamy who was in Berbice visiting cluster offices, disclosed that he voted in Georgetown but in Berbice persons were reporting that they turned up to polling places and were turned away because their names were not on the list.
“There were some people that showed up in the Port Mourant cluster to vote, their names were on the GECOM website and it indicated where their polling stations were but when they showed up at that polling station, their names are not on the hard copy that the presiding officers have.
“Those are among the few [which] we have experienced throughout the coast, but we are making representation to the Returning Officer to have the issue sorted out if possible,” he said.
Returning Officer for Region Six Savitri Mangar confirmed that there has been smooth voting in the region and although there are reports of persons’ names not being on the list, she has not been made aware of such instances.
“There are a lot of rumours out there that are actually not true. I would have received calls from persons saying that our stamps are not working and so on but when I visited the polling stations myself, everything is perfectly fine. Everything so far has been quite fair and smooth,” Mangar explained.
Meanwhile, a visit to several polling stations in New Amsterdam, East Bank Berbice, East Canje and the Corentyne saw major turnouts of young voters who expressed their eagerness to vote.
There were also disabled persons and the elderly making their way to the polls on wheelchairs and with the assistance of family members.
Rafi Clement, 69, of Ankerville, Port Mourant, was making his way out of the polling station in his wheelchair when this publication caught up with him. He said that it was “smooth and peaceful”. Clement stated that the polling staff assisted him in voting, but it has been like that for him for the past three General and Regional Elections.
“Since my accident, I have been voting like this but over time, I complained about having arrangements in place for disabled voters like myself, like wheelchair ramps and so forth.
“But I was excited to vote today to give my party of choice another chance. It’s a democratic process; we should all take part rather than sit idly and then later want to complain,” he said.
A first-time voter, Dexter Joseph, 22, explained that the process was “very fast and nice”. He added that he decided to vote because he wanted to see more progress in the country and noted that he cast his ballot at the Limlair polling station with persons turning up early.
Another first-time voter, Ryan Caesar, 21, said the process was “joyful going out to vote for President Granger.” He pointed out that it was “a very good experience” while noting that he voted at Manchester.
In Black Bush Polder, a couple who voted just around 11:00 hours told reporters that they voted for development in their community since “there is no new development for the longest while in Black Bush Polder”. They were hopeful that the party of their choice would be deemed the winner at this General and Regional Elections.
Up until 17:00 hrs, there was a report from elections officials in the region that there was over 80% voter turnout among the 378 polling stations. Ninety-nine thousand one hundred and thirty-two (99,132) were expected to cast their ballots.

Source: https://issuu.com/gxmedia/docs/mar032020

Now the waiting begins, with each minute of every succeeding hour intensifying discussions, ratcheting up expectations, and leading to numerous conclusions, all unofficial of course, but no less personally reassuring. It must not be a long one, but the shortest time possible. Any wait that stretches into the tension-filled and torturing, which gives rise to any and every manner of rampant and irresponsible speculation must be avoided like a plague. Nothing good usually comes out from suspicious delays, nor does anyone emerge unscathed. Neither family nor community nor country do well when the clock keeps getting extended. Today, Tuesday March 3, the deed is done, and from all reports it was, on the broadest of national levels, encouraging and calming. The hard part now comes with a sharp rough rush. There is sure to be a barrage of amateur counts from unreliable self-appointed authorities, and those positioned strategically for just such delayed eventualities to go to work and spread socially radioactive material. We, on the other hand, are ready to go against the excitable political tides and stick to the facts as officially sanctioned for release, when they are forthcoming. This society could do without the conjectural, we will not be a part of any such developments or problems. It is why we call on our fellow citizens to be patient, to manage emotions and calculations, to look beyond the tightly partisan.

All must gird themselves to respond to electoral counting and reporting developments in a thoroughly sensible and sober way. We say this because elections results, especially the bad news of being on the losing side, should not and must not-be interpreted as so life altering as to be life ending. Whatever the outcome of this year’s elections, it must be respected and accepted. It must be recognised and conceded to at the earliest. The serious business of managing the multiple precious assets of this country and the wellbeing of the wide cross-section of its peoples weigh heavily and immediately. There is no room for the usual sullenness or the simmering furies that have always swamped. This is a country poised on the edge of prosperity, almost on the threshold of possible immortality, one that waits to be governed. That immortality and greatness will only come if we focus on the things that hold strong promise to take somewhere.

So whether winner or loser, there is now the opportunity and duty to hold any victorious government’s feet to the heat. It must be a searing, unrelenting heat, which knows not friends and allies, but only those who are committed to doing right with us, for us, and by us.

Starts with oil, continues with diversity and inclusion, goes still further with openness and accountability, and climaxes in hands open to inspection and passing any manner of reading. It is utterly useless to continue to be the selective, biased, and trapped historians that we have always been a people with piercing memories that are longer than our passage in this pale, perhaps of time itself.

Like the committed and contented (self-destructive) addict, all we do is dig a deeper grave into which we can stumble and rest until the last dose wears off. The poor unfortunates that we pity and patronise on the streets, who then careen forward to the temporary comforting oblivion of a bodily fix are reminders of how we are—each of us deniers and objectors–in our contributing, participating, and managing the daily life of this nation.

Is this what we want for ourselves? Is this how we wish to continue? Is this who we really are when an unmatchable heritage has come our way? Where we desire nothing but the comforts of the pavement or the gutter? We may not care, but this is how the world sees, and will continue to see us. That is, unless we commit to rehabilitating ourselves voluntarily. It is going to be painful and draining but, like the street addict, we must want to turn away from the nightmares of our tortured existence.

Source: https://issuu.com/gxmedia/docs/mar032020

DEAR EDITOR,

A hush stretched over Georgetown on Sunday and built throughout the day. Expected it was, etched with shades of the profound, almost eerie in its distinctive, yet indefinable, fabric and contours. I sensed a nation suddenly awakening to its circumstances, and coming to grips, just as abruptly, with the magnitude of what is before it, the seriousness of its responsibilities, the immortality of its possibilities, given the treasured place where it is perched. There was a lower volume to speech, a definitely lower cadence, a softer, less urgent rhythm to interactions and exchanges. The moment is here; it is now was what I grasped. All that is left is the how the realities railed against, the circumstances dreamed about, the probabilities weighed and measured, will unfold and solidify.

How will we be? How will this turn out? To where will we go? At the end of it all, the bottom-line questions: to do what with that which we have been blessed? To be how to each other? All roads lead unerringly to these nonnegotiable destinations. How will leaders and groups be to voters, especially nonbelievers, as in those not voting for them.

How will friends and neighbours be to fellow countrymen, and all of them (us) to passing strangers (also us). How will we become next Monday? Perhaps, as early as Wednesday this week, if not before? The passions and expectations have electrified and powered us hard and uncontrolled to this challenging crossroad on the edge of a surging but unknown and tremulous destiny. As we face the inevitable uncertainties beyond this Monday, I think there has to be confidence in contemporaries and self to face the frontiers of fortune. This is the imperative: any misfortune that accompanies the lush heritage that belongs to all of us.

It is why I say we must not hesitate; we must not shrink from the obligations of peaceful and dignified citizens, conscientious ones. Together we must face the destiny of Guyana, whatever it is, and rise to the challenge. As one. In unison. From Sunday to Monday morning, I travel to share my brief journeys and observances of early Elections Day. It is before 6 a.m. and still somewhat dark. I crisscross from Alberttown to Cummings burg to Brickdam and then through Lacytown, with a little bit of Wortmanville on the periphery. And there it was! The hush and the awakening and coming to grips of Sunday taking purposeful life at this quiet but stirring presunrise hour. There were these small clusters of citizens going somewhere; they were everywhere, and not coming from anywhere but going to some specific place. There were these highly unusual scenes of more pedestrians on the roads before 6 a.m. than vehicles, be they buses, taxis, or otherwise. They were not street people either.

I strongly believe that all the movement was not to work or play, but to the serious business of voting. This was confirmed when I arrived at church: the attendance was thrice the normal gathering, which almost without exception, consisted of adults, eligible voting adults mind you. On the way back from worship, including prayers for the nation and the processes of today, this was further confirmed from the increasing presences and energies on the ground. At voting places prior to 7 a.m., the lines were there: quiet, conversational in spots, serious and focused all around. By the time I was finished, some 25 minutes later, another line of another couple dozen had formed to exercise the franchise. I was glad to observe the professionalism in the process, the general ambience in the streets. I trust that it will hold firmly as the process intensifies along with the fevered expectations. By late evening, the two major contestants would be sure to have a sound sense of where they and their main competition stand. I trust, also, that this is not when the contingencies of different calculations and prepared objections are set in motion All of this is up in the air, as I write to share at just after 09:00hrs. The situation could change drastically overnight. That is where the rubber will hit the road and Guyana will gain the first insights of where temperatures and things are heading. May it be to and for the positive as super Tuesday comes to this society.

Sincerely,

GHK Lall

Source: https://issuu.com/gxmedia/docs/mar032020

… Minor hiccups resolved throughout the day – GECOM Chair

By Kemol King

and Shikema Dey

Polls For The March 2, 2020 General A N D R E G I O N A L Elections Were Off To A Smooth Start As Reported By The Guyana Elections Commission (Gecom) With Chairperson Justice Claudette Singh (Ret’d) Looking Forward To Having An “Incident Free” Day. She voted early in the morning, then made several visits to polling places to ensure operations were running smoothly. S h e h a d d a y s a g o announced that GECOM was ready to produce free, fair and credible elections. And so were the people. They started to wake up hours before the polls opened, much to the dismay of late sleepers, beckoning to their neighbours, family and friends, in some areas, to get out and vote. In some parts, persons banged pots, pans, while others blew horns. Some even spoke of persons walking the streets calling out to sleepers, “Wake up and vote!” News coverage touched parts of the East and West Coast Demerara, East Berbice, the Essequibo Coast and Georgetown, Bartica and Linden. If the turnout and enthusiasm in these areas were a fair portrayal of the entire country, then it meant yesterday’s election lived up to its reputation as the ‘mother of all elections’. Kaieteur News reporters said that some polling places drew crowds even before the polls opened; eager to get it done.

S e v e r a l o b s e r v e r missions set out to provide c o v e r a g e f o r a l l t e n administrative regions. Kaieteur News met with representatives of the Carter Centre, the European Union (EU), the Commonwealth Group, and the Organisation of American States (OAS), who all relayed that they were pleased with how the process was going. GECOM, at its first press conference held at 10:00 hours at the media centre on Hadfield and High Streets, reported that so far, there were no major issues experienced countrywide.

Several minor issues were highlighted but these were quickly sorted out and did not adversely affect the smooth voting process. According to Justice C l a u d e t t e S i n g h , t h e Chairperson, there were two minor hiccups during on her examinations of the polling places.

At St. Gabriel’s Primary School in Queenstown, Georgetown persons using wheelchairs and others with disabilities were unable to properly access the polling stations located in the upper flat. This issue was quickly resolved.

Persons also raised concerns about the ink being ‘too light’ but were reassured that the ink would later become dark as it dried. Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, in his remarks reported that voting a c r o s s t h e r e g i o n commenced at 6:00am with the exception of Cashew Island with only eleven voters.

Lowenfield explained  that the location of the island prohibited the early start of polls there but voting kicked off at 9:00am. On his review of polling places, two key reports were made. In Crane village, West Coast, Demerara, an elector came out to vote but was told that she already voted. But after several checks, this was not so and the woman was allowed to vote. The same issue surfaced at a polling place in Ruimveldt,

Georgetown but this was also quickly resolved. Public Security Minister and prime ministerial hopeful, Khemraj Ramjattan, assured Guyanese that the Guyana Police Force is ready and fully equipped to address security concerns as they come to light.

He made these comments moments before casting his ballot with his wife and other family members at the Rama Krishna Primary School in Kitty. Ramjattan told reporters that strong systems are in place to ensure that Election Day 2020 concludes safely. In addition to Ramjattan and his family, Kaieteur News also photographed other candidates voting, including Presidential candidates David Granger, Irfaan Ali, Rhonda Lam-Singh and Lenox Shuman and Prime Ministerial candidate Mark Phillips. Kaieteur News visited the close of polls around Georgetown and it turned out that people really did come out in their numbers early on. There were no reports of lines built up at 18:00 hours when polls closed.

At the final press conference for the day last night, the Chair said, “It was indeed a grand day. It was a day all of Guyana was looking forward to… I am very pleased today.” Singh urged that the media in their reports on the matter do not sensationalise any of their stories. “We’re in a charged atmosphere so we have to be careful how we go about spreading stories. We must always verify our stories before we publish them… These things can escalate into mistrust, and even violence.” True to the Chairperson’s words, there were many reports of irregularities occurring during the electoral process; many were not supported by evidence.

Source: https://issuu.com/gxmedia/docs/mar032020

The operation of yesterday’s General and Regional Elections went smoothly and without any major hiccups. This was based on reports provided by international observer missions—the European Union (EU), Commonwealth Observer Group, the Carter Center, and the Organization of American States (OAS).
The day began early for the observer missions, who all wanted to see the opening of the 06:00AM polls. During their brief press conferences, heads of the missions were emphatic that at the time, there were no tensions at the various polling stations they visited.
Former Prime Minister of Barbados and Chairman of the Commonwealth Observer Group, Owen Arthur, explained that the Commonwealth has had a long tradition of observer missions all across the region in its pursuit of good governance and transparency.
Against this backdrop, he assured that his observer mission would ensure that they achieve their goal.
Arthur added, “We have been fulfilling our duties to observe. We were there just when the polls opened and it would appear as though the elections are being conducted in an orderly fashion.”
Co-leader of the Carter Center observer mission, Jason Carter, concurred with the positive reports of the other groups, but urged Guyanese to be patient as they cast their votes.

engagement with the Former Prime Minister of Senegal, Aminata Toure, Carter stated that the centre has only seen a “little snippet” of what the election is like, but believes that Guyanese need to be patient.
He added that we should not look at the election period as a report from one region or polling station, but the entire country.
He continued, “And so part of the patience is going to be listening to the reports as they come in and know that we have to see the complete picture before we make a judgment.”
Carter explained that the centre is operating separately in an effort for them to cover more ground.
“This is one of the most important aspects of international observers and domestic Guyanese observers are just to ensure that there is transparency. And as you know, the political parties have coverage at least some of them have coverage throughout the country as well so this is a much observed election in almost every corner of Guyana.”
The other two observer missions, the OAS and the EU, shared the same sentiments as the two missions, and with over 100 team members, the missions assure that they will see transparent, credible and fair election processes.
The teams will be releasing their preliminary results to their unions and to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) before the election results are announced.

Source: https://issuu.com/gxmedia/docs/mar032020

The Guyana Elections Commission , (GECOM) will provide real time updates on the elections results via its official website. During an Elections’ Day press briefing last evening, GECOM officials urged members of the Media not to indulge in sensationalism of any stories as the voting tabulation continues.

“At this time, I would urge members of the media not to sensationalise any of their stories because at this time, we’re in a charged atmosphere, and so we have to be careful how we go about spreading stories. “We must always verify our stories before we publish them. These things can escalate into mistrust, and even violence,”

GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield said. Lowenfield noted that polling has concluded and counting is taking place. “Our hope that it will conclude in good time to allow for statement of polls to be placed at conspicuous locations outside of polling stations across the spectrum across the country. “Whether it’s concluded or not this evening, statements would be received by returning officerswho will all commence a public verification process which includes public display of each statement in every district. “That process will continue until all the statements for those particular districts are concluded.” The CEO explained, “Once that is completed, Returning Officers will declare results in the respective districts. And the Deputy Returning Officers would have ensured that statements for CEOs are forwarded to his office. “That is the process that will continue throughout the evening.” The tabulation process was likely to commence at about 22:00 hours last evening. By noon today, all the Returning Officers should have their results for the respective districts.

Source: https://issuu.com/gxmedia/docs/mar032020

Elections morning peaceful in Cinderella County

 Mar 03, 2020  News

---

There’s usually that atmosphere of great excitement and anxiety during Guyana’s elections. During yesterday, however, persons appeared to have been even more determined than ever before to cast their votes.

Despite light showers in the morning, persons were already lined up in front of their designated polling places, anxious to cast their votes. At the Richmond Nursery School, which is located within Anna Regina, there were some 30 persons already lined up before the polls opened at 06:00 am.
Within Region Two, there were 104 polling stations, most of which are located at Government buildings. In the Pomeroon, there are rarely Government buildings. In an effort to facilitate polling day within that riverine community, GECOM designated a number of churches within the Pomeroon, as polling places.
Earlier in the day, there were great numbers of voters who turned out to the various polling places. As the day progressed, however, the crowds dwindled, while the day remained peaceful and conflict free. Based on observations, it can be concluded that more persons exercised their right to vote at this election, as compared to 2015.

Source: https://issuu.com/gxmedia/docs/mar032020

DEAR EDITOR,

Today, Monday, March 2nd marks the point from which we assemble for the way forward.

The visions that I see of this are of a way that is unlike any other time prior in our post-colonial, post-Republic, and post-electoral histories. I sense this Guyana of ours standing on the doorstep of a brave new world: of challenge, of seeking for and finding ourselves, and of finally being able to live with ourselves.

From the rear, near my little inconsequential corner, I commit to continue my own small offerings, which I trust, in time, will be found to be energizing and uplifting. I say that no longer must we be content with what is enfeebling, what is emasculating, and what is dehumanizing, be such from the new ones who come to help us, sometimes exploit us, in maximizing the returns from nature’s largesse; or from those on the inside, who have flourished from an endless era of what is corrupt and unprincipled. These would be the political people, who tell us, and impress us with, how much they know of what isbetter for us. Whenever we listen, if we were to listen to them at all, I insist that the sterling values of what is decent, what respects and dignifies, what can take someplace be of impeccable character and be prodigious in the proofs of powerful performance. It must be otherwise. I do not think for one moment that the lengthy litany of lies and vulgarities could be allowed to continue. Because if it does, then the record book of Guyana would repeat all the terrible curses of the past. Our political environment and social habitat would be frozen in an even worst space. The margins for weakness are painfully thin; the usual tolerance for treachery and failure from our leaders just about vanished. All the contestants have promised us the glowing, if not the spectacularly glittering.I do not believe that most of them have it within to deliver on those promises; but we are past that stage of contemplation now. Where we are is with that which is within our own grasp, our own thinking and outlook on the way life in Guyana could be looking ahead. I have some hopes, there are these dreams; I commit to what I trust could lead us out of the hazes and hates, past the passions and poisons, and into a certain kind of light. The oil from beneath the riverbed has in its power the strength to light a whole newworld for us. But we must demonstrate that we are worthy recipients of this fabled gift, that we will make the best uses of it for the greatest good of the greatest many. It starts with our obligations today, voting day; and then tomorrow, counting day and reporting day. It is mandatory that we respect the rare blessing sent our way. This means that it cannot be about us alone, but about every other Guyanese citizen, who are active and owed participants of the national patrimony. We must become so magnanimous in victory that our benevolences extend to those who come from neighbouring territories seeking a new start, having first taken care of our own. We must respect the process of today, Monday March 2nd, and the related ensuing components that are so integral to a conclusive outcome. I exhort further the following: respect for all other participants in this process, whether of like mind and from within our fold; or those firmlyentrenched on any other side and for whatever reason. Respect for the counters and deliberators and adjudicators. Respect for the results.

For when we succeed in adhering to these modern and civilized practices, this I submit could mark the first day of a brand-new beginning, one that is electrifying and energizing, one that inspires in each and every Guyanese that he or she is a master of this universe of ours. I persist in recommending that we embrace the heavy responsibilities that are also part of our rights. Let us show the world and each other that we are up to the tasks at hand; they start with how we conduct ourselves this week, and in the long succeeding aftermath. For too long, the world has mocked us and dismissed us. This we did bring upon ourselves in the unthinking frenzies of domestic politics. The time for that is over. I think the time has to begin for us to anticipate quality

governance of an unprecedented nature; it must be the order of the day. It must be so pure that the dirty ones calculating how they will arrange the plums will be sent running for cover without finding any place to hide. I tender that the days of troubled governance must end, and now. May March present us with the birth of a Great Guyanese era. It starts with reciprocal respect. And with being responsible to the highest degree possible.

Sincerely,

GHK Lall

Source: https://issuu.com/gxmedia/docs/mar022020