Granger’s duplicitous views on international community’s role

Dear Editor,
Condemning the representatives of the international community for “interference” is a line that the APNU+AFC Coalition is religiously sticking to, as evidenced by the comments made by President David Granger on the night of Monday, May 18, 2020.
Mr Granger’s talk of interference smacks of duplicity, given that he was more than supportive of the outspoken local representatives of the diplomatic corps in 2014, when former President Donald Ramotar prorogued Parliament. His duplicity is further seen in the fact that he was the one inviting foreign countries to sanction Guyana because a constitutionally-provided-for mechanism, prorogation, was employed.
In November 2014, he argued for sanctions as a means of modifying the behaviour of the Ramotar-led government. He said: “Sanctions will inevitably affect all Guyanese citizens. We will all suffer once there are sanctions. The question is, who will suffer most, and whether that period of suffering – which is bound to be short – is going to have the effect of bringing about a change in government’s behaviour. I do believe so.”
Editor, Mr Granger seems to be intent on promulgating obfuscation when it comes to the role of the international community and the statements made by their representatives since March 2, 2020. Obfuscation is clearly what he is playing at when he says: “I don’t know the motivation for such behaviour. Some of the behaviour was quite extraordinary, especially with regard to the conduct of some persons who enjoyed diplomatic status. It is all quite strange. People who should be representing the interest of friendly foreign countries should behave in such a manner.”
First, the voices from the international community commenting on happenings in Guyana included:
1. The international election observer missions accredited by GECOM as Foreign Observers;
2. The representatives of the local diplomatic corps accredited by GECOM as Local Observers; and
3. The representatives of foreign governments.
The representatives of foreign governments have spoken out in support of democracy in Guyana, and against a clear attempt to rig the 2020 Elections. How is this interference? Why is this being condemned by Mr Granger?
The representatives of the local diplomatic corps, when asked, spoke out about what they saw firsthand. How is this interference?

Why is this being condemned?
The international election observer missions, which are probably the most important when it comes to adding credibility to our electoral process, have made public their preliminary reports. This is what they were invited to Guyana for. How is this interference?  So why are they being condemned?
Is it because the voices of these groups add weight to the calls for a democratic transition of government, and this is not where Mr. Granger and his APNU+AFC Coalition expected to be right now; rather, they had hoped that Mr. Clairmont Mingo would have been successful in his attempt to tamper with the results of Region 4?
Whatever his reason, right-thinking Guyanese recognise the roles of these three groups in support of the fight for democracy in Guyana.

Sincerely,
Nalinie Singh