Georgetown: President David Granger has maintained that the COVID-19 pandemic is the sole reason why the Cater Centre’s Election Observers’ team has not been approved to return to Guyana to oversee the recount of votes cast at the March 2 General and Regional Elections.
“Since March 2, COVID-19 changed everything…we promulgated several emergency measures and we’re serious about those measures,” the Head of State said during an interview on the radio programme Straight Up.
Dismissing claims that the team was denied after it had exhibited partisan behaviour in March immediately following the elections, the President noted that the centre has been involved in Guyana’s elections for thirty years and the country has much respect for it.
He further reiterated that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) observer team is the “best interlocutor” in the election situation and expressed confidence in the team.
President Granger urged that the decisions of the Government of Guyana be respected as it is in the best interest and health of Guyanese citizens.
“I am aware of what the Foreign Minister has written and she has not written on her own authority but the authority of the Government and President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and we intend to stick with the regulations.”
The Head of State highlighted that huge cities in developed nations have been devastated by the effects of the novel coronavirus because they failed to follow strict guidelines.
However, the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) has granted approval for 103 Guyanese who are stuck in various CARICOM countries to return home once they are tested negative for COVID-19 in the host countries.
Included in the total are 17 Guyanese students at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and 70 cruise ship workers attached to Royal Caribbean.
The applicants or their employers are covering all costs for their return.
The NCTF said it is also considering the phased re-opening of the economy and air space post-June 3.
The NCTF said an application from Caribbean Princess cruiseline for 63 Guyanese crew members to return via sea was not approved given risks involved with seaport entry.
The NCTF said it is however amenable to considering an application for these crew members to return by air.
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