Guyana confident in CARICOM team. Min. of Foreign Affairs.
─turns down request of US Embassy in G/Town
DPI, Guyana, Friday, May 15, 2020
The Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied a request made by the United States Embassy in Georgetown, on behalf of the Carter Centre and the International Republican Institute (IRI), to observe the recount of ballots of the March 2nd 2020 General and Regional Elections.
In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Dr. Karen Cummings reiterated that re-admission would not be possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Owing to the Public Health Situation which arose as a consequence of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and the series of emergency measures that were promulgated since 16th Match 2020, including the imposition of a curfew and closure of its international airports; it may not be possible for the Carter Centre and IRI Advisor to participate in the overseeing of the recount of votes cast on 2nd March 2020 General and Regional Elections which as you are aware has already commenced,” Minister Cummings stated in a letter to US Ambassador to Guyana, HE Sarah-Ann Lynch.
Ambassador Lynch made the request via diplomatic note on April 29.
Further, Minister Cummings also used the opportunity to restate the government’s confidence in the CARICOM team which is overseeing the recount process.
“The Caribbean Community remains the most legitimate interlocutors (speakers) in the Guyana situation and Guyana is equally confident in the legitimacy, credibility, and competence of the CARICOM team to perform its task.”
She also appealed to countries and agencies to respect the decision the Government of Guyana has made to protect its citizens from the coronavirus.
“Guyana requests that the legitimate decisions it has taken with respect to the role of the Caribbean Community in the recount of ballots cast in the General and Regional Elections, as well as the Emergency Measures it has implemented to protect its citizens from the COVID-19 pandemic to be respected.” Dr. Cummings urged.
The national recount of ballots is gazetted to be completed in 25 days. Today marks day 10 of the process which began on May 6.
Please see below the full correspondence dispatched by the Minister of Foreign Affairs