Carter Centre return not granted due to COVID-19 measures

DPI, Guyana, Monday, May 18, 2020

His Excellency President David Granger has maintained that the COVID-19 pandemic is the sole reason why the Cater Centre’s Election Observers’ team has not been approved to return to Guyana to oversee the recount of votes cast at the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

“Since March 2, COVID-19 changed everything…we promulgated several emergency measures and we’re serious about those measures,” the Head of State said during an interview on the radio programme Straight Up.

Dismissing claims that the team was denied after it had exhibited partisan behaviour in March immediately following the elections, the President noted that the centre has been involved in Guyana’s elections for thirty years and the country has much respect for it.

He further reiterated that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) observer team is the “best interlocutor” in the election situation and expressed confidence in the team.

President Granger urged that the decisions of the Government of Guyana be respected as it is in the best interest and health of Guyanese citizens.

“I am aware of what the Foreign Minister has written and she has not written on her own authority but the authority of the Government and President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and we intend to stick with the regulations.”

The Head of State highlighted that huge cities in developed nations have been devastated by the effects of the novel coronavirus because they failed to follow strict guidelines.