MOTP clarifies Harmon’s statement

Responding to an article published by Guyana Times and Inews on Friday, March 29, 2019, the Ministry of the Presidency has sought to clarify that Minister of State Joseph Harmon has said he “will not give up his foreign citizenship but will continue to serve as a Member of Parliament (MP) until the ruling by Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).”
According to the Ministry, in responding to a question posed to him, Minister Harmon said: “The question of dual citizenship, this is matter which is hot in the media right now and therefore, I believe it is important that we clarify this matter. I must say to you that this matter has engaged the attention of the High Court of Guyana, it has engaged the attention of the Court of Appeal and it is also a matter which has been appealed to the Caribbean Court of Justice as one of the grounds for appeal. In that regard, the attorneys representing the State will advise the Government with respect to the situation with Members of the Government that are dual citizens so in that regard, I will say that this matter is still engaging the attention and Cabinet has not made a ruling on it. In that regard, it is contemplated that on April 11, 2019, when the National Assembly sits, that all the members of the Government side will be there.”
Further, in response to another question posed by another journalist, who asked, “Sir, could you explain the Government’s reasoning for not wanting to uphold the court’s decision on dual citizenship even though that is under appeal as is the passage of the No-confidence Motion? The Opposition Leader has accused you of being duplicitous…”
Minister Harmon said that while the matter is under appeal at the Caribbean Court of Justice, the Government will respect and honour the final decision of the Court.