OUR Guyanese people deserve a round of applause for almost faithful observance of restrictive measures, as the nation buckles down for the fight against the coronavirus. At the time of writing, 45 persons have tested positive, six of whom have died.

Compared to confirmed cases in some 183 other countries, these statistics for Guyana are on the low side. However, any relaxation of the strict containment measures could see a dramatic, over-night rise in both the infection rate and the number of deaths.

Our first case was imported from Queens in the Big Apple, where already close to 40 Guyanese nationals have died. Among them are two well-known tycoons in the airline industry – Billy Braithwaite and Jim Bacchus.

MASS GRAVE

In all, over 20,000 persons have died in the United States, out of which figure some 8,000 were from New York where a mass grave has been dug in the middle of Hartland Park. There, in make-shift boxes, would be buried the bodies of persons who have neither been identified nor claimed by their relatives. In the United States, the confirmed cases have climbed close to 600,000, of which some 160,000 are from New York.

I am giving the New York situation not to scare Guyanese at home, but to show how rapidly this contagion could spread, if strict measures are not in place to contain the virus. Among these measures are simple hygiene protocols such as keeping our hands clean, wearing masks and keeping a safe distance from other persons.

Unconfirmed estimates could account for over 300,000 persons of Guyanese origin living in the tri-borough New York state. All of us empathise with Guyanese who want to return home, some of whom might be legitimately stranded whilst on vacation or on business.

However, our airspace remains closed to incoming international flights until May 2. Should the restriction be lifted, as is being advocated by some, Guyana could quickly have an inflow of between 2,000 and 5,000 persons. Possibly more. Upon their return all of them have to be screened, placed in quarantine and tested. Some of them might possibly be hospitalized. Such inflow at this time would be enough to overwhelm and literally kill our health care system.

STAY PUT

It is with this in view that, while Guyanese are making great efforts at social distancing, and sacrificing the pleasures of fetes and flying kites on Easter today and tomorrow, that concerns are being expressed against the door being thrown wide open to persons returning from overseas locations where the coronavirus disease has been wreaking havoc. So Guyanese overseas have to stay put for a while longer, until the spread of the disease is contained in Guyana.

With the spirit of Easter pervading our society, there is resurrection of hope that we would beat this devil; and that our people at home would not be locked down indefinitely; and that our Guyanese compatriots would not be locked out for much longer.

But the restrictive atmosphere is due not only to the coronavirus. It is compounded by the political gridlock within which Guyana has been confined since the March 2 elections.

While the virus instils fear in us, the political crisis brings uncertainty. We fight the former with health safety precautions. But the latter needs a whole bundle of legal and constitutional remedies.

In an aside comment, President Granger noted that we are caught up by a set of Cs – the Constitution, the Commission and the Courts. All three have been triggered by the problematic situation that flowed from the Count – a fourth C.

ONE-SEAT WIN

The initial count of ballots and the tabulation of same, as declared by Returning Officers in the ten regions of Guyana, disclosed a narrow, one-seat win for the APNU+AFC Coalition, which would be a repeat of the results in 2015. But the Opposition challenged the results, and circulated “results” of its own that showed a contrary outcome.

In elementary law, the Returning Officers, as agents of the Elections Commission, were acting vicariously for their principal, GECOM. Under normal circumstances, President David Granger should have been sworn in, and any queries over the results left for adjudication by the court by way of an elections petition.

That was how it had been after the contentious 1997 elections. Then, after Mrs. Janet Jagan was sworn in as President, a re-count of the ballots took place. Called a forensic audit, that process lasted some 97 days after which the court vitiated the results of the elections as having been obtained by fraud.

In this case, the courts have ruled that a recount of ballots of all ten regions should be done. Initially that was the advocacy of the Opposition which had described a recount as “the Gold Standard” of fairness and transparency.

But in defiance of the ruling of the court which upheld provisions of the Guyana Constitution and the supervisory functions of the Commission, the Opposition and its cronies want a partial recount of only one of the ten regions.

ALL OR NONE
The Opposition was in trouble when the results of Region 4 were tabulated and announced, as those showed a handsome lead for the APNU+AFC. Having failed at totally disrupting the Region 4 tabulation, the Opposition filed action in the High Court aimed at discrediting the Region 4 tabulation, and securing a recount of only Region 4 ballots.

But the court would have none of that. It was either all or none. So the PPP was left with its mouth open. One would have thought that by now they would have learned from the old Guyanese proverb about where “de smart fly does end up”.

The recount process could last for five months during which the country remains politically polarized and ethnically divided. Guyana is marking time in the face of its deadliest enemy – COVID-19. For this, it is my view that the Opposition would never be absolved for having chosen to enter an unholy alliance to remove by foreign interference, manipulation and electoral fraud a democratic, people’s government.

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_e-paper_12-04-2020

– to castigate American corporations such as ExxonMobil

Dear Editor,
ATTEMPTS are being fostered into paving the way of a digital coup d’etat in favour of the PPP. In a letter signed by Melinda Janki, Hinds, Gaskin, Goolsaran, et al, declarations have been announced that they do not recognise President David Granger as the Head of State.
First, these types of letters are being used to push the PPP-Mercury narrative. Furthermore, Melinda Janki is an environmental activist who prefers to see the oil left in the sea, while the rest are either disgruntled political candidates, or PPP-aligned activists.

Additionally, by the same token, prominent letter-writers have lamented that American corporations such as ExxonMobil have not assisted Guyanese in any way, with regard to the COVID-19 crisis. They are using the anti-colonial lens to claim that American companies are not doing their part to help, while scaring investors away with the PPP-Mercury propaganda. How hypocritical!

Bharrat Jagdeo has been using a populist stance to castigate American corporations such as ExxonMobil; this is also evident when political candidate, Mr. Robert Badal used inflammatory Trumpian rhetoric when asked by Channel 67 of his views on the American hotel investments which were arranged with the help, patriotism and expertise of Mr. Edmund Braithwaite.

However, the PPP and their supporters are on social media begging American politicians and Members of Congress to implement sanctions, and even military invasions of Guyana. This is another hypocrisy, because, if one is populist, the last thing they would beg for is to have their country end up like a modern-day Venezuela or Syria, and end up creating a refugee crisis. This is like the racist American man disparaging Mexican immigrants, while living in a gated community in Mexico. It’s hypocrisy of the finest grade.

In my opinion, the PPP and their supporters, including the critics, have a deep-seated resentment against President David Granger. They will do anything to make him surrender his job, because they do not have reconciliation and tolerance at heart. Their eyes are set on the oil reserves that they intend to use for themselves, while excluding the rest of the population. The PPP is not going to these extreme measures for democracy of any kind.
This is the reason why they are on the route to self-destruction and hypocrisy when they do not get it their way. Whom the Gods wish to destroy, they first make mad.

Regards,
Riaz Hamid

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_e-paper_12-04-2020

Dear Sir,
WHEN I was growing up in ‘Packoo Dam’, aka Wortmanville, my grandmother, ‘Clar-Clar’, often told me that “ingratitude was worse than witchcraft…” She said that when you are ungrateful, it shows a lack of training, or as she would say, upbringing. It was her duty, she claimed, to make me au fait about the ungrateful sycophants and the putty knives that patrol the conclave of politics in this land. Oh, how I wish she was alive now to see for herself the knives she’d warned me about.

In 1985, the best politician ever in this country passed away; his death left a chasm in Guyana’s politics. Over the years, he had tried and done everything to force Guyanese off their complacent asses, “TO DO FOR THEMSELVES”. He was trying to extricate us from under the thumbs of the manufacturers’ representatives from other countries, since we were the bi-lings of the world. Unfortunately for Guyana, however, the man who succeeded him was himself destined for China as an ambassador, which will give you a good understanding of how the deceased leader had thought of the new leader’s political knowledge and administrative skills.

By Christmas 1985, with the Republic basking in its own food, and showing massive improvement, we were unceremoniously wrenched back into the folds of the manufacturers’ representatives, which, of course, pleased the international community and a few mercenaries right here. Yes, would you believe it, (We got grapes, ice apples and even wallnuts). The new leader opened his arms wide to a particular people, while tearing down our past achievements and stomping them to death.

In 1985, Guyana had one daily newspaper (the Guyana Chronicle) that was an asset, however, the leader was not astute enough to see that as an advantage in the political struggle that is Guyana. But in 1986, on Peter Rose Street, here in Georgetown, a new baby was being born by the name of “Stabroek News.” The HATED PNC and their leader were overjoyed to welcome the new baby. They were the ‘wet nurses’ and midwives; they gave it succor and pampered its growth, as it grew from strength to strength. To date, the hated PNC was not even given a thank-you note.

In 1997, after a lady politician (during a political dispute) ignored the court’s order, and to prove how bad she was with her entourage as back up, threw the Order over her shoulder in full view of the Marshals of the courts, who stood with their hands between their legs. This to-hell –with-you attitude ushered in the “slow fyah, mo fyah” demonstrations. During that period, Stabroek News savaged the hand that gave it succor and revealed which side of the fence they preferred. Their editorials and general reporting waged an insulting war against black people that reached ‘the max’; they wrote about black people as if they had no right to be in this country. In other words, they were interlopers. The adjectives they used to describe these people and events were way below the pale, and they have not relented since.

It is quite obvious that the rich people meet every morning to strategise about how the ‘rag’ can angle its daily coverage to advance the PPP’s political agenda. Which is attack, attack, and attack again and again, and lie, often and repeated times and it will eventually turn into the truth.

In their September 19, 2019 Page One comment, they said, “The only person to be blamed for this is President Granger, for refusing to abide by the clear outcome of the Motion of No-Confidence against the Government on December 21, and mounting FECKLESS legal challenges.”

Thursday March 9: “What it is is a blatant and crude attempt to subvert the March 2 elections. Senior officials of GECOM began a treacherous campaign to steal the elections.”
Thursday, April 9: “Senior officials of GECOM began a treacherous campaign to steal the elections from the PEOPLE, by bastardising then aborting the count of district 4.”
A voice out of the Corentyne said: “Justice Singh has totally abdicated her responsibilities, or she does not know her job.”

It must be remembered that the Stabroek News is the gift that continues giving.
Some years ago, on my return to Guyana, I stopped at the ‘Stabroek’ and had a cordial conversation with the Editor, Mr. Persaud (I hope he remembers that). We spoke about writings briefly, but politics and the running of the country was our focus. After listening to him giving ‘A’s to his neighbours ability to run the country, he gushed so much about the leader, that I got the impression that he was talking about the dude who had walked on water aeons ago. After our discussion, I realised it was going to be a long haul for black people.

A couple of Saturdays ago (before the curfew), I attended the funeral of a colleague in Buxton. Though it was a sad affair, it was nice for me, because I got to see so many villagers who knew me, and knew about my father’s strong relationship with Mr. Jimmy Willis, a structure of Buxton. I played in Uncle Jimmy’s yard, drank as much of his coconut water as I could, and listened to him as he related the history of the village, and how it got its name. The discussions during the repast, however, was about the present political impasse. As I listened, I realised how much they missed “Fat Boy”, their name for Mr. Burnham. The despicable acts that occurred during the past 23 years would not have happened during “Fat Boy” time. The names that they ticked off that would be languishing at Sibley Hall brought gales of laughter. However, to a man and woman, they confessed their love for this dear land, and promised to await the President’s directions.

Yours Faithfully,
Milton Bruce

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_e-paper_12-04-2020

THE Guyana Elections Commission has stated that the Office of Region Four’s Returning Officer (RO) will be opened today from 09:30hrs to restart or continue the tabulation of the region’s Statements of Poll (SOPs).

The announcement came on Wednesday following the ruling of Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire, that the declaration of results for District Four for the General and Regional Elections were unlawful.

She had set a time limit of 11:00hrs today by which the process should either recommence from or restart. The RO for the region is Mr. Clairmont Mingo, who fell ill on March 4, 2020 at the High and Hadfield Streets Office during the SOP tabulation process.

Mingo was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) around 10:30hrs after reporters spotted him being transported with an oxygen mask into a waiting ambulance with the assistance of medical practitioners. It was shortly after the process recommenced at around 14:00hrs by a GECOM clerk, that an alarm was raised about discrepancies noted in the SOPs being tallied.

Reports are that a summarised spreadsheet was used by a GECOM clerk who took over from Mingo and the results on the sheet did not match that of the SOPs with the number of votes appearing higher than the number of voters. The Chief Justice had ruled yesterday that the use of the spreadsheet was lawful as the same was used in eight other regions. In today’s continuation or restart, she stated that GECOM has the right to choose which method of tabulation it wants to use. The region holds 879 polling stations and 285,618 electors. It could be the deciding factor for which party wins the elections. The previous count – now made null and void – had shown the coalition government as taking the lead over the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) by just over 7,000 votes. 

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_12_2020

Dear Editor
This statement was issued by the TIGI local observer team for the 2020 elections in Guyana.

FREE and fair elections are indispensable in a democracy. Such elections convey the people’s choice of leadership and in the absence of a credible process for determining the results, the legitimacy of any leadership installed is questionable. All reports to date and our own observations indicate that the 2020 elections were, overall, free and fair at the level of voting (though some incidents have occurred). This, however, has been derailed by tabulation of the results in Region Four, which has the largest population of the 10 regions with the potential to determine the outcome of the national elections. In this regard, we have taken note of and endorse the press statement by the Guyana Human Rights Association (see Stabroek News, March 7, 2020) on the process followed by the GECOM.

The GECOM has a duty and owes it to the people of Guyana to verify the results of the elections before announcing a winner. All this must precede the swearing in of a president.

Should a president be sworn-in prior to verification of the results, the legitimacy of that president and his/her regime will remain questionable and GECOM would have shredded its credibility and that of its officers. We also believe that no leader worthy of the presidency and of the responsibility to lead the development of our society would countenance such a cloud over his/her leadership. Even when systems fail, leadership cannot be allowed to fail.
The political parties and the local and international observers agree that an appropriate process for verification of the tabulated results was employed in all the regions except Region Four. In fact, the transparent process was initially followed in Region Four, then aborted. There is no reason why this should happen. Notwithstanding GECOM’s power to decide on its processes, a change in process would necessitate agreement of all involved to maintain integrity and there was no such agreement. Against this backdrop, the results declared for Region Four in the 2020 elections lack credibility.

The circumstances surrounding the declaration of the results for Region Four have created an appearance of collusion between GECOM and the incumbent, APNU+AFC, in so far as the results which were not transparently verified but declared for Region Four, tip the national election in favour of the incumbent. President Granger has indicated that he has not intervened in the functions of GECOM in relation to the results of the elections (Guyana Chronicle, March 10, 2020).

However, his statement has not cleared his party and its members of such interventions. Furthermore, whereas he indicated that GECOM should be allowed to “execute its mandate to deliver credible elections to the Guyanese people,” he did not indicate whether he believes that the results as declared are credible (see Guyana Chronicle, March 10, 2020). It is important to note that the credibility of elections is an assessment to be made by citizens and observers, including political parties, and is not evident upon GECOM being allowed to do its work. We therefore call on the APNU+AFC to indicate its position on the credibility of the process employed by GECOM in Region Four and to clear its image in the interest of its supporters and the country.

All Guyanese deserve and should demand nothing less than transparent verification of the results of the 2020 elections and all political parties, including those that might appear to have benefitted from the opacity, should support only a transparent process. This responsibility goes beyond what is perhaps merely legal or perceived to be so and to delivering elections of the highest standard for all Guyanese. The longer a credible and correct procedure is delayed, the greater the opportunity will be given to possible compromising of the ballot boxes at GECOM, that are no longer within sight of local and international observers.
TIGI will address elections in Guyana and the 2020 elections in greater detail at a later date.

Regards
TIGI observer team
Georgetown
Guyana

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_12_2020

OVER a week has passed since the March 2, 2020 Regional and General Elections were held. The “mother of all elections” has indeed lived up to the hype and has delivered some remarkable moments, many of which will remain etched in the minds of Guyanese the world over.

Since then, Guyana has witnessed many scenes which continue to leave Guyanese confused and bewildered. The current state of affairs in Guyana right now is analogous to that of a deeply dysfunctional family dynamic where the parents are not getting along, the siblings are out of control and the neighbours look on in shock, horror and derision.
In the hours and days following the close of polls, a campaign seems to have been carefully coordinated in order to attempt to cast reasonable doubt or indeed any sort of doubt upon the fairness and credibility of the Guyana elections process. Citizens were incensed and mobilised to take to the streets in protest of what was being peddled as rigged elections. It seemed as if all the hard work done to get Guyana ready to head to the polls was all for naught. The rest of the week produced scenes from the Guyana Elections Commissions (GECOM) headquarters which can only be described as reminiscent of a poorly directed horror movie.

In the midst of the chaos that followed once GECOM had been compromised by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) party operatives, officials and anyone else who was able to gain access, the incumbent A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU + AFC), Campaign Manager and Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, issued a statement on behalf of APNU+AFC. Mr Harmon stated that “The behaviour and conduct of the PPP leaders and their enforcers is totally and wholly unacceptable, and is to be condemned in the strongest possible terms, and I do so unequivocally.” He continued that “I am appalled that PPP leaders would seek to intimidate and bully the GECOM staff that they would storm into offices at GECOM which they are not authorised to enter, that they would abuse staff, attempt to seize GECOM property and handle and seemingly tamper with GECOM records.”

Following the dissent of order at GECOM, local and international observers voiced their concerns over what had transpired. Rumours and theories spread rapidly on social media and the Guyanese public became enraged as many, on both sides, felt as though their democratic right had been circumvented.

Throughout the unrest however, President Granger has displayed excellent leadership in a poised, dignified and graceful manner. The President has been briefing diplomats and members of the international community who all have expressed concern over what transpired at GECOM and the credibility of the elections held on March 2. The President has remained steadfast in reinforcing that GECOM is a constitutional body and as such it is unlawful for the Executive to interfere with the work of the body.
In a statement issued on Monday, President Granger asserted that “I assure the nation that, at all times, I have acted in accordance with the Constitution and Laws of Guyana. After the elections on March 2nd, the nation awaited the declaration of the results by the Elections Commission after completing its work.” The President continued that, “GECOM is an independent constitutional agency over which I and the Executive have no control. I assure you, that as President, I cannot, did not and will not interfere in the work of GECOM.”

President Granger noted in particular that “It is my sworn duty, as President, to uphold the Constitution and keep our citizens safe. I intend to do so. I will not allow political malefactors to hijack our democracy and compromise public order and human safety. Law and order will be maintained. Guyanese, I appeal to you to remain calm and not to engage in any activity which can lead to the heightening of tensions in society. I urge you to go about your business in a peaceful manner. Some damage has already been done to social relations in our communities. We must repair that damage.”

Regardless of the outcome of the March 2, 2020 Regional and General Elections, President David Granger continues to lead Guyana forward with integrity and diplomacy as we await the official Elections declaration from GECOM. President Granger’s conduct has been lawful, mature and exemplifies qualities desirous of a leader. Let us follow his lead as we await the outcome of the “mother of all elections.”

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_12_2020

Dear Editor
SO, in 2011, John (now my husband) and I had our first discussion and disagreement about politics. I embraced this because I am never the one to follow the masses, or to be swayed by popular culture, and neither is he. It was my first ‘political’ experience on several counts: my first ‘Election Season’ in Guyana, my first ownership of an ID card and my first time voting.

I remember there was a presidential debate held at the GWLT auditorium at the University of Guyana. I attended because I wanted my vote to have merit. I wanted to make an informed decision. The auditorium was filled to capacity and chants roared from all across the room as people rooted for whichever party they thought was best fit to lead the country. I remember seeing many youths standing and sitting at the front-right of the room. These were PPP/C supporters and representatives decked in red T-shirts, hats and flags, enthusiastically hitting on the desks, stomping and shouting to affirm whatever points were raised by their presidential candidate, who did not have to worry whether his points were substantial or not. His support base was very reassuring!

On the other side of the room were APNU supporters who were just as enthusiastic and behaved in the same manner when points were raised by their presidential candidate. Immediately, I knew that these two parties were major and probably in existence for a longer time than the others. My eyes were filled with glee and excitement. I had never seen anything like this before. As I looked around there were many like me, who had not yet decided on a party, but came with an open mind to hear them out.
The AFC was fresh on the scene. Mr Ramjattan spoke exceptionally well; I was not persuaded per se, but I was overwhelmingly impressed. I don’t remember him having as many supporters, but what he had to say commanded one’s attention. Before I continue let me just plug this in here: the TUF’s presidential candidate was the most outstanding – “if ya know ya know.”

From my perspective, it was at this point that political discussions took a turn and had several views from several angles, because the head table now had new guests who had just as much to offer the people of this country. So John and I talked and we definitely had disagreements and differences, but we had an understanding (to this day I am not sure that we voted for the same people that year and that’s fine)

I have unshakable respect for people who think for themselves and make decisions based on their own convictions. I believe that is the correct way to exercise one’s democratic right, but with all that has been happening recently, I have been thinking that the reality of the situation is, everyone will not think independently. Hear me out.
Throughout this life, I have identified four types of people in our society who are equally important but play very different roles.

1. LEADERS: people who have that innate ability to inspire and influence the decisions made by those around them. These are very powerful people. Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo is a born leader! That man is intellectual, tactful, very calculated, and has the ability to accomplish! Good or bad, he gets things done! I have many friends who stand by his leadership because of how business oriented the man is. However, Mr. Jagdeo’s agenda, priorities and methods are totally different from His Excellency David Granger, who is also a born leader!

Mr Granger’s mere presence demands respect and those who have been around him can attest to this. His hands have been soft and caring towards this nation and I believe that his nature, coupled with the fact that he is family-oriented, is what encourages that passion he has to clean, develop, educate and father this nation. We have seen the evidence and as a young person, this affects me directly.

2. CHALLENGERS: those who delight in thinking for themselves. You cannot lead these people by their noses. Challengers fact-check, do their research, ask questions and make informed deductions that also greatly influence those around them. Challengers can be leaders but, ‘deh don’t fight up with dat.’ They know their place and strengths and usually serve as activists in society in one way or another. If what you’re talking about is right up their lane, expect some traffic before you reach your destination.

1. LEADERS: people who have that innate ability to inspire and influence the decisions made by those around them. These are very powerful people. Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo is a born leader! That man is intellectual, tactful, very calculated, and has the ability to accomplish! Good or bad, he gets things done! I have many friends who stand by his leadership because of how business oriented the man is. However, Mr. Jagdeo’s agenda, priorities and methods are totally different from His Excellency David Granger, who is also a born leader!

Mr Granger’s mere presence demands respect and those who have been around him can attest to this. His hands have been soft and caring towards this nation and I believe that his nature, coupled with the fact that he is family-oriented, is what encourages that passion he has to clean, develop, educate and father this nation. We have seen the evidence and as a young person, this affects me directly.

2. CHALLENGERS: those who delight in thinking for themselves. You cannot lead these people by their noses. Challengers fact-check, do their research, ask questions and make informed deductions that also greatly influence those around them. Challengers can be leaders but, ‘deh don’t fight up with dat.’ They know their place and strengths and usually serve as activists in society in one way or another. If what you’re talking about is right up their lane, expect some traffic before you reach your destination.

3. CHALLENGERS WITH AN AGENDA: For these people, though they are brilliant, money talks! Their biggest motivation is money and positions, and once that is in order they will argue to the dust, even if it means arguing senselessly. They have the intelligence to swing things in their favour. Often- times, challengers with an agenda take extreme measures to make what they are doing believable, because too much is at stake for them. These people have no regard for right and wrong. They will destroy your reputation if you oppose them. They answer questions with questions and justify wrongdoing by highlighting wrongdoing. I deem challengers with an agenda as very dangerous, because they too bear great influence.

4. THE LAYMAN: These people are the vast majority of any population. The economy cannot survive without them. They work hard and many times all they want to hear is about house lots, increased minimum wage, proppa’ healthcare and how deh children getting to school. These people can be very loyal—if you care for them, they care for you. Some tend to be gullible though, easily influenced and manipulated. They will believe what you believe and preach what you tell them. Unfortunately, these are the easy prey in society. The layman is not always an independent thinker so he/she looks to leaders who seem trustworthy. The sick cycle in Guyana is a repeat of the notion that “the leader I can trust is the one who looks like me.”
The chaos I see today involves irresponsible leaders preying on challengers with an agenda, who have no love or respect for the layman. They will continue to brainwash these people and drag them through the mud to fulfil their dirty hidden agendas. This is where my heart bleeds.

Violence and race hate can never be the way. How can that possibly be the way to go when diversity of our cultures and six peoples, unity and love is what we sell to the world as a tourist attraction. The law exists so that order can remain! There is a legal process for matters such as these. Allow law and order to take its course.

We should know that legal processes take time; that is why Irfaan Ali can walk around feeling the wind beneath his wings with 19 CRIMINAL CHARGES and have the audacity to look this nation in the face and solicit our votes.

Put aside race, political differences, put aside even the history of who did and said what in the 1970s 80s and 90s. This is 2020 and the world is watching Guyana and waiting to see if the oil will make us or break us. There are nations also wanting to sift us as wheat and make us believe that their opinions are superior to our laws. That is wicked disrespect to this sovereign land. People open your eyes, I beg.

I already feel ashamed for those who will read and venture to insult, may comprehension and respect for others’ views be your portion this good day. I perceive that this matter is bigger and deeper than our socialisation will allow us to fathom at this point, but the truth exists. It has life and it will find its way to the surface. Again, allow the law to take its course, play your role by praying and encouraging others to stay calm. Respect each other and have patience.
We unfolding nicely!

Regards
Rochelle Maxius-Benn

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_12_2020

Dear Editor
TRADE unionist Lincoln Lewis is misguided. A declaration for District Four can only be made when the District Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, complies with the statutory requirements in Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act.

Given that the verification process for the District Four Statements of Poll was aborted, a declaration should not have been made by Mr. Mingo. The fact that the verification process was not completed means that the declaration made by Mr. Mingo is fraudulent.
Mr. Mingo unilaterally declared the results for District Four after failing to verify almost 60 percent of the Statements of Poll. Of 879 SOPs, only 349 were verified. That leaves 530 Statements of Poll to be verified. It is unfortunate that this fraudulent act by Mr. Mingo followed his commitment to complete the District Four verification process.
This fraudulent act clearly jaundiced the District Four verification process and lead to vehement objections by everyone present except APNU+AFC representatives. Why did the APNU+AFC embrace this anomaly?

The demand for use of the District Four Statements of Poll cannot be unfounded, since Chapter 84 of the Representation of the People Act is pellucid. This is coupled with the fact that Statements of Poll were used for the tabulation of results in the other nine districts.
At no time during the aborted District Four verification process did the People’s Progressive Party/Civic invade GECOM. At no time during the aborted District Four verification process did the PPP/C intimidate GECOM staff or disrupt them from conducting their work. Such accusations are ridiculous.

Instead of peddling what has now become ridiculous rhetoric and falsehoods, Lincoln Lewis should answer the following questions for the Guyanese people:
1. Why is the signature of Volda Lawrence, the Chairperson of the PNCR, affixed to the declaration of the Region Four Returning Officer, when the declarations of the other nine regions have only the stamp and signature of the returning officers of those areas?

2. Why was Amna Ally, the General-Secretary of the PNCR, visiting the GECOM Chairperson at her home, when the chair was unavailable to her international advisers, members of the international election observer missions and the political parties?

3. Why was the GECOM lawyer, Neil Boston, being openly assisted by Roysdale Forde and Darren Wade, two APNU+AFC candidates?

4. Why was the Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, after he made the fraudulent declaration, escorted from the GECOM Command Centre by six ranks of the Guyana Police Force, and has not been seen since nor has been available to any stakeholders in the electoral process, since?

5. Why did former Foreign Affairs Minister Karen Cummings threaten to revoke the accreditation of members of the international Election Observer Missions?

6. Why are former ministers, Cathy Hughes and others, peddling falsehoods about Russians hacking into our electoral system, when that system is a manual one?

7. Why the fear about returning to verification of the election results Statement of Poll by Statement of Poll, and/or a recount, if there is such confidence in an electoral victory?

Regards
Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_12_2020

Places 17th out of 30 in the Latin America and Caribbean Region and 73rd out of 128 countries worldwide 

THE World Justice Project (WJP), on Wednesday, released the WJP Rule of Law Index® 2020, an annual report based on national surveys of more than 130,000 households and 4,000 legal practitioners and experts around the world and Guyana saw a slightly improved placing of 73rd out of 128 countries.

According to a press release, the WJP Rule of Law Index measures rule of law performance in 128 countries and jurisdictions across eight primary factors: Constraints on Government Powers, Absence of Corruption, Open Government, Fundamental Rights, Order and Security, Regulatory Enforcement, Civil Justice, and Criminal Justice. The Index is the world’s leading source for original, independent data on the rule of law.

“Guyana’s overall rule of law score increased by less than 1% in this year’s Index. At 73rd place out of 128 countries and jurisdictions worldwide, Guyana improved three positions in global rank. Guyana’s score places it at 17 out of 30 countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region* and 25 out of 42 among upper middle income** countries,” the release said.

Denmark, Norway, and Finland topped the WJP Rule of Law Index rankings in 2020 while Venezuela; Cambodia; and Democratic Republic of the Congo had the lowest overall rule of law scores—the same as in 2019.

It noted that more countries declined than improved in overall rule of law performance for a third year in a row, continuing a negative slide toward weakening and stagnating rule of law around the world. “The majority of countries showing deteriorating rule of law in the 2020 Index also declined in the previous year, demonstrating a persistent downward trend. This was particularly pronounced in the Index factor measuring Constraints on Government Powers,” the release said.

The declines were widespread and seen in all corners of the world, it said, adding that in every region, a majority of countries slipped backward or remained unchanged in their overall rule of law performance since the 2019 WJP Rule of Law Index.

The release said that regionally, Latin America and the Caribbean’s top performer in the Index is Uruguay (22nd out of 128 countries globally), followed by Costa Rica and Chile. The three countries with the lowest scores in the region were Nicaragua; Bolivia; and Venezuela, RB (128th out of 128 countries globally).

“Countries with the strongest improvement in rule of law were Ethiopia (5.6% increase in score, driven primarily by gains in Constraints on Government Powers and Fundamental Rights) and Malaysia (5.1%, driven primarily by gains in Constraints on Government Powers, Fundamental Rights, and Regulatory Enforcement),” it said.

The largest declines in the rule of law were seen in Cameroon (-4.4%, driven primarily by falling scores in Order and Security and Fundamental Rights) and Iran (-4.2%, driven primarily by falling scores in Criminal Justice). Over the last five years, countries experiencing the largest average annual percentage drop in the rule of law were Egypt (-4.6 %); Venezuela, RB (-3.9%); Cambodia (-3.0%); Philippines (-2.5%); Cameroon (-2.4%); Hungary (-2.1%); and Bosnia and Herzegovina (-2.1%), the report said.

“The rule of law is not just a matter for judges or lawyers,” said William H. Neukom, WJP founder and CEO. “It is the bedrock of communities of justice, opportunity, and peace. We are all stakeholders in the rule of law and therefore we all have a role to play in upholding it. The 2020 Index underscores that we have our work cut out for us.”

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_12_2020

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has condemned a “malicious” attempt to accuse its staff of destroying electoral information in relation to the contested Region Four results.

In a release on Wednesday, the commission stated that it has been made aware of an email purporting to be sent by Personal Assistant to the Chief Election Officer (CEO), Duarte Hetsberger, in which it was alleged that he destroyed electoral information and presented a substituted declaration of the Region Four results.

“The contents of the fake email with attachment being circulated are not authentic and should be disregarded as no such act was committed by Mr. Hetsberger,” GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) said in a release.

“The commission views this recent malicious act not only as a personal attack on Mr. Hetsberger and the integrity of the Chief Elections Officer, but also an attempt to create mischief and confusion. Persons are therefore urged to be vigilant and do not allow the misinformation peddled by a malicious few to cause distraction and chaos.”

GECOM, in a statement on Sunday, had given its assurance that it will not flout the laws of Guyana, reminding the public that a mandatory injunction granted against it and CEO Keith Lowenfield impedes the finalisation of its work.

“It is important for all relevant parties and members of the public to note that while GECOM is a constitutional agency, it is still subjected to the Laws of Guyana; hence the mandatory injunction granted against the commission and Chief Elections Officer on Thursday, March 5, 2020, has affected the finalisation of the commission’s work at this point,” GECOM Chair, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, said in a statement on Wednesday. According to GECOM, while it is unfortunate how things have escalated, it is their intention to abide by all legal and procedural requirements to conclude its work.

Source: https://issuu.com/guyanachroniclee-paper/docs/guyana_chronicle_epaper_03_12_2020