Dear Editor,
Yesterday, after the Acting Chief Justice Roxane George from the High Court did not fail to live up to the natural expectations of the Guyanese public and the rest of the world at large when she pronounced in the case by APNU/AFC’s Misenga Jones wanting to prohibit GECOM Madam Chair, Ms Claudette Singh from using the results of the election recount to declare the winner and to resurrect the ten old declarations, by overruling in the matter, citing the principles of res judicata applies, noting that Order 60 had already been considered in upper courts and as such the court cannot rule that the recount order, Order 60, is invalidated. This is another blow to the already battered ego of the APNU/AFC party, facing US sanctions for visa restrictions and, this salt and pepper in the wound is in no way giving them any avenue for relief. As was expected, they are filing an appeal in this matter with the Appeal Court today and Attorney Kim Kyte-Thomas on behalf of GECOM Madam Chair has extended the courtesy of her previous undertaking for a stay in the election process until today. This, therefore, means that GECOM will not meet today to reconvene the election process. But what it means is that the CEO, Mr Lowenfield is not a “Lone Ranger” and so he cannot act independently or aloof of the Election Commission and he must abide with the instructions of the Madam Chair. He is a creature of GECOM and is therefore subservient to the Madam Chair and has to comply with her request or order.
Nelson Mandela once reminded the defenders of liberty, freedom, equality, impartiality, justice, egalitarianism, democracy, sovereignty, truth and honesty when he cautioned that, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” How pertinent is the significance of that school of thought in today’s society where the prevalence of the knee on the back continues to stifle the breath to free the autonomy of legality, the fair chance of winning an election and the creditable declaration of legitimate results? We have witnessed by an audience of national and international observers, how the will of the people has been thwarted and the election process has been constantly interrupted by vile, frivolous and vexatious litigations. It was the very Caricom partners, sisters and brothers who scrutineered, observed and concluded that the recount election results provided a majority win by 15,413 valid votes in favour of the PPP/C party over the APNU/AFC party and described by the chief agitator for mischief, Mr “G” that, Caricom is “the most legitimate interlocutor.” The OAS also endorsed the Caricom’s report, but these very entities are being cursed out as “foreign interference“ by the hypocritical cabal of tyrants. But, after all this, the very sly Mr “G” chained the hands of GECOM and refused to allow democracy to run its course in any stream. Nelson Mandela International Day is rightly so recognised and justified by no other than the “fit and propa” superpower USA, the same USA who is looking out for Guyana and has its back covered! As we reminisce, propagate and sing the glory of Nelson Mandela’s significance, let us not forget to also remember ex Liberia President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and a member of Nelson Mandela’s Elders’ Group, who charged Guyana’s political leaders to reconcile and put the country above party interest. When the international community tells you that you have lost, it is time to step aside and allow the interest of the country to take precedence over your party. This is not the PNC’s days with the PNC’s party flag flying aloof of the “Golden Arrow.” The distinguished, truthful and honourable Barack Obama has a message for oppressors with power who face indecisiveness and uncertainty, “In the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it.” Mr “G,” you will do well to listen to these words of wisdom from one of your kith and kin, as caretaker President to past President.
If the legendary and prolific artist, George Simon had a chance to inscribe the agony, loyalty and sacrifice of Osaze, he would have painted a picture portraying a ragged and tearful Osaze on his knees, chained hands begging Mr “G” to free Guyana and the hands of WPA interlocked with PNC, stabbing him mercilessly in the back, as the mouth of AFC gladly drinks each drop of his falling blood! Farewell Simon, you did not stay long enough to honour us with that masterpiece, one we could have hung in Parliament Building for the current and future generations to learn the tight rope we have walked. As the blessed Osaze journeys to the great beyond, he already has a premeditated message for the brother, Walter Anthony Rodney. When Anthony would have asked him on the reunion, why what is happening is happening, his rehearsed speech would say, “Dear Brother, when you left, you forgot to tell them that when you depart, the philosophy, principles and practice of the WPA depart with you also.” The famous American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer and statesman, Frederick Washington Bailey (1818-1895), had escaped from slavery in Maryland and became a national leader. He once advised that “The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful and virtuous.” Look in the mirror Mr “G,” compare, contrast and compromise thy conscience with thy contriteness.
As the G5 Sahel Summit of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)/EU held on June 30, 2020, would have concluded, the concern for violence and protests that lead to the loss of lives and serious injuries in Ethiopia would have been highlighted; Germany was congratulated for assuming the presidency of the Council for the European Union (EU) for the 13th time and, the acknowledgement of the world facing unprecedented challenges. Guyana participated in the virtual 9th Session of the Chief Negotiators of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU), and in participation was Head of the Guyana delegation and Vice-Chair and Lead Ministerial Negotiator for the Caribbean Protocol, former Foreign Affairs Minister Carl B Greenidge. It is a pity he was not privy to raise Guyana’s 144 days inconclusive election issue due to the denial of the people’s will and the rogue regime who are undermining democracy and found complicit. It is commendable though that, being Guyana’s official agent in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v Venezuela), he did warn the APNU/AFC party that it was inappropriate for persons to censor or “shout down” foreign leaders in the region for voicing Guyana’s elections.
Tuesday afternoon, the OAS Permanent Council is scheduled to meet to discuss Guyana’s electoral situation. Sir Ronald Saunders commented, saying, “The Organization of American States (OAS), the world’s oldest regional body, could authorize all of its member states to sanction Guyana as they see fit, if what is currently happening in the country is determined to have constituted a violation of the democratic principles of the region. Such action would have repercussions on Caricom as well, since all Caricom states are also member states of the OAS, and its resolutions would be binding on them.” Guyana is again in limbo and at the mercy of APNU/AFC party as they litigate another court appeal where two of the Appeal Court’s Judges have already felt the wrath of the CCJ, not once, not twice but thrice. Patience Guyana, patience and hold your horse.
Respectfully,
Jai Lall
