Keen observations being given to the operations at GECOM (Pt 1)

Dear Editor,
Recent published statements by representatives of the international community highlight the keen observations being given to the operations of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The implicit and justified attention are no doubt related to the many mixed signals that have emerged from the organization, in particular, those from the dubious and challenged imposition of the Chairman, Justice ‘retired’ James Patterson.
Given the circumstances of his unilateral appointment, which most Guyanese and observers are convinced is a constitutional breach, it was hoped by many that his performance would allay their fears of these dictatorial actions by President Granger. It is becoming even more frightening now, as, with each passing day, there is broader public conviction that Chairman Patterson’s contentious stay is more destructive than complementary.
Instead of improvements to correct the many known problematic imbalances and areas of abuse existing within GECOM, Chairman Justice (retired) James Patterson’s watch is realising greater uncertainty. There have been countless biased and lopsided decisions compounding the less-than-transparent image required of the organisation. At the same time, we continue to witness the emergence of irrational and futile defences by the Chairman of efforts tantamount to the suppression Guyana’s democracy.
Among the latest widely published geriatrics emerging from GECOM’s Chairman is the now infamous headliner: “quality trumps race” in hiring workers. The reported reactions of many readers of all ethnic persuasions inform a number of hair-raising questions. Among these are:
1. Is the current GECOM staff composition reflective of the best skill set or academic quality reflected by the results of national education demographics?
2. Given that the Chairman previously reported the staff make-up of GECOM consisting of 48 per cent of one ethnic group, is there a special quality or characteristic contained in that ethnic group which makes the group best suited to ‘trump’ the requirements of the organisation?
3. Is GECOM not responsible for training all staff employed, or do we have persons being employed with all of the skill sets?
4. What are the criteria established by the organisation’s policy for the selection of permanent and temporary staff? And,
5. Is the principle of objectivity or being a good Judge in implementing the intent of the Constitution one that is negatively impacted by age?
The ominous signs of underhand and surreptitious happenings beacon brightly under a weakened and infiltrated system.
These must serve to impress upon and justify for the awareness of all citizens a strengthened keenness of enquiry, and objection where required, to protect citizens’ rights.

Sincerely.
Neil Kumar