No pronouncement on Dec. 21 vote until the Court rules – Min. Harmon  

– to comment now would be premature

– Min. Harmon rejects claims of Govt influencing GECOM’s decisions

– Govt holds to joint statement, dismisses Opposition Leader’s claim that several agreements were not met

DPI, Guyana, Friday, January 18, 2019

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon today made it clear that government will not be making any pronouncements on matters relating to the December 21, 2018 vote, since it is presently in the High Court.

Minister Harmon, who was speaking during a post-Cabinet press conference said to make pronouncements on related matters would be premature. He reminded that the Acting Chief Justice Roxane George has already committed to providing her ruling at the end of January.

“It is usually not prudent to be making pronouncements on matters which are before the Courts and which can in fact have the tendency of seeking to influence the direction in which the Court goes. So, I would reserve any comments on this matter until the Court has made its ruling,” Minister Harmon said.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

Asked to comment about statements attributed to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo denying that certain agreements were met during the meeting between himself and President David Granger on January 9, 2019, Minister Harmon described it as “troubling.”

According to the State Minister, “we hold to the letter and the spirit of the document (Joint Statement) and therefore I am not sure what Mr. Jagdeo is talking about.”

Minister Harmon informed that the joint statement that was issued by the Government and opposition on January 10, 2019 was prepared by representatives from both sides. In fact, he noted that the last insertion was done following a request by the Opposition Leader.

Minister Harmon also dismissed opposition claims that Government is influencing the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), hindering the agency from preparing for Regional and General Elections.

The minister reminded that GECOM is an independent body and Government has no intention of interfering with its functioning. He attributed such behaviour to the previous PPP regime.

Further, the minister made it clear that in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana, the Coalition Government remains legitimately in office and will continue to execute its functions to ensure the development of the country.

“The Government’s programme continues and it is in the interest of all that the programmes are implemented and that the persons who are meant to implement that programme must recognise that they have a duty to the people of this country, to act in an efficient manner,” the minister pointed out.

He said many naysayers like to look only at parts of the Constitution to suit their purpose and disregard that which does not suit them.

Stacy Carmichael

Image: Keno George

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