– GECOM Chairperson must step up
The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) remains appalled by the ongoing ploys that have been deployed by the APNU+AFC to prolong its illegitimate squatting in Government. It is now over seven (7) weeks since the 2020 National and Regional Elections was held and the final declaration of the results still remains outstanding. The pursuance of a credible national recount, which seeks to bring the protracted process to an end, is apparently being thwarted under the guise of COVID-19. The nation learnt from de-facto Prime Minister Mr Moses Nagamootoo, that his COVID-19 taskforce, among other things, has, in effect, restricted the hours of recount and is also demanding that non-resident observers be subjected to 14-day quarantine. While we accept there is need to be cautious, we, at the same time, contend that the conditions laid down are extremely alarming. Of course, we hold the view that the actions by the Coalition should not be a surprise to anyone. Just look at their actions since March 02, 2020. Indeed, to ask the now expired Administration to offer guidance to conduct the recount can be seen as equivalent of trying the devil in hell.
The FITUG has examined Mr Nagamootoo’s so-called advice and finds it to be preposterous and outlandish. We have to conclude that it is an unvarnished attempt to intimidate the international observers, and more so the CARICOM High Level team, from setting foot in Guyana to observe the count. Moreover the restriction of working-hours is simply absurd especially in view of the importance of the task to bring democratic order back to our beloved nation. The fact that Mr Nagamootoo and team has not consider the recount essential is yet further confirmation that there is more to hide. Logic dictates that a confident winner would want to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt their victory. The reality that the opposite is unfolding tells the story in itself.
The ball is now clearly in the court of GECOM Chairperson, Justice (retired) Claudette Singh who is tasked with making a determination on the matter. Indeed, the Chairperson, so far, has demonstrated apathetic leadership, no doubt, contributing to the situation that we find ourselves in. Certainly, it is now time for the Chairperson to take the bull by the horns and end her seeming endless vacillation. To do otherwise, we contend, will only demonstrate she is an all too willing conspirator.
As we consider our situation, we know patience is wearing thin and people are growing weary of the ongoing games of the Coalition. Indeed, our people want their votes to be counted and counted correctly for that matter. We uphold and reinforce that call as our people have waited long enough and they have every right to be upset. We understand their sentiments, especially given the prevailing public health crisis. The Federation holds that it is time for us all, standing on the side of right and decency, to redouble our commitment. We, at this time, salute and applaud those in the forefront and even behind the scenes. Their efforts will go down in the annals of history.
We remain convinced that our continued, collective efforts will not be in vain but another sterling chapter of people’s resistance to despots. Obviously, the masterminds are growing desperate as they recognize the walls are closing in. Let us, at this time, continue to stand together and remember that, like those before us, we will win this struggle too. We take inspiration from the Father of the Nation, Dr Cheddi Jagan who, in his lifetime, faced much adversity and setback but did not falter. In 1947 after being elected as a member of the Legislative Council, he said “we, the people have won…” Those words he repeated in 1992 when he was elected President and we are confident that his words will be yet again repeated as the people’s triumph is assured.
