Pres. Granger to consider four additional names submitted by opposition
— ‘hammering out process’ continues
─ next meeting scheduled for July 18, 2019
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Discussions between government representatives and representatives of the opposition continued on Wednesday afternoon, to discuss the way forward in deciding on a possible Chairman for the Guyana Election’s Commission (GECOM).
The meeting, which was held at the Ministry of the Presidency, included Minister of Public Health, Hon. Volda Lawrence and Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon for the government’s side with Members of Parliament, Hon. Irfaan Ali and Hon. Anil Nandlall representing the opposition.
Director-General (DG) of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon engaging the media following the meeting.
These persons comprise the new working group that will continue the process. A decision was taken following the meeting on Tuesday, July 16, to establish this new group.
Today’s meeting follows the hour-long engagement between His Excellency President David Granger and Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Bharat Jagdeo on July 16, where four names “were found not unacceptable to the president”.
Director-General (DG) of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon disclosed today that during the discussions, the two names submitted by the president did not find favour with the leader of the opposition who also submitted an additional four names for consideration.
“We agreed that this list of names submitted will now be considered by His Excellency the President and any further directions on the matter will be given by the President,” DG Harmon said.
The Director-General said that is it the president’s understanding of the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) that he may submit names for consideration in the ‘hammering out’ process.
“He expects that the submissions will receive considerations by the leader of the opposition in a list that is consensual that will come to him,” DG Harmon explained.
The two sides are expected to meet again on Thursday, July 18, 2019, to continue the ‘hammering out’ process.