Chairman Claudette Singh’s heroic stance for democracy

Dear Editor,
Since the conclusion of the elections and the PPP/C taking office, quite rightly, there have been encomiums showered from all sides on those who were responsible for achieving democratic elections and defending democracy which was under perilous attack.
Chief among these magnificent defenders of democracy were the USA, UK, Canada and The European Union, the Organisation of American States, The Commonwealth and CARICOM.
Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh’s part in upholding democracy has not been fully understood or recognised by most. Many had even imagined that at some times she seemed to be tilting towards the rigging lobby. Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, to his credit, however, was the one politician who had great faith in her and was the only one who expressed his public support for her.
It was only after the elections that the public and the political establishment understood how fair, objective and courageous she was. In all her life, Justice Singh lived in a milieu which was rational, cultured and where good manners were the norm. As Chairman of GECOM, she was thrown to a gang of crude bullies, both from the side of the GECOM Secretariat and from the side of the Commission.
She never expected this kind of horrific scenario and as she stood all alone in the tensions they generated and the threats they threw at her, no one knew of her plight. To make matters worse for her, members of the political party to which the bullies owed allegiance, tried to visit her home at night.
Justice Singh, when she realised she was against terrorists, stood up against them with great fortitude and courage and heroically overcame them and upheld democracy. The bullies never expected such toughness. Thank you, Justice Singh, for helping to save this nation from the disaster of dictatorship.

Yours sincerely,
Paul Validum
Ramlochan