GECOM’s request for more recount stations rejected by COVID-19 Task Force

Georgetown: Former Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who heads the National COVID-19 Task Force, denied the request of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to add more work stations at the Arthur Chung Conference Center where the recount of ballots from the March 2 general and regional elections is continuing.

Below is the letter dispatched by Dr. Colin James, Coordinator of the Health Emergency Operations Centre on Thursday to GECOM Chairman Justice (rt’d) Claudette Singh.

Below is the letter:

Justice (Rtd) Ms. Claudette Singh

Chairperson

Guyana Elections Commission

28th May, 2020

Dear Chairperson,

I refer to your communication to the National COVID 19 Taskforce seeking a review of the recommendations submitted to your agency regarding the allotment of workstations and number of persons who should be at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at any given time.

Conscious of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) nature and scope of activities, at this time, the National COVID 19 Taskforce HEOC deliberations have arrived at that conclusion that public safety and wellness remains the primary focus to mitigate the negative impact and to prevent the spread of the COVID 19 Pandemic.

The National Taskforce HEOC has diligently reviewed its Reports dated 21st April 2020 and 15th May 15, 2020 submitted to your Commission and have determined that it cannot concede to the request for the installation and operation of additional workstation and increase in the number of persons to be in the ACCC during the period of Recount

For ease of reference, I attached copies of both reports referred to.

Yours respectfully

Signed

Dr. Colin James

HEOC Coordinator