Nagamootoo and the powers that be are shameless

Dear Editor,
The Prime Minister’s most recent statement that the political situation in Guyana could stall international aid to the country unless the votes are recounted and a legitimate Government is sworn in, is clearly an acknowledgement that he is either confused or that he is no longer a rational and logical thinker. Based on his statement, it is clear that the Prime Minister is fully aware that Guyana will not receive the international aid it needs to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak in the country unless there is a legitimate Government.

Yet he and some of his colleagues in the Government continue to place obstacles in the path of a transparent and speedy recount of the votes. Why? The Prime Minister seems to be speaking from both sides of his mouth, but he should understand that he cannot have it both ways. Either he supports the recounting of the votes and gets the aid the country needs or act silly and continue to stall the recount of the votes and do without the aid.

Furthermore, this is not the mindset of a rational or a right-thinking person, much less of a Prime Minister who is supposed to uphold the Constitution, promote democracy, encourage fair and free elections, transparent tabulation of the votes and above all else, respect the will of the people. But not only did the powers that be disrespect the will of the people, but the Prime Minister has also insulted the high-level team from Caricom when he proclaimed that they will have to be quarantined for 14 days on arrival in Guyana.

But with better hindsight, President Granger moved quickly to overrule his absurd decision. Mr Nagamootoo has also opined that a recount of the votes is not essential and that the APNU/AFC had won the election. If he is so certain and pompous that the coalition has won the elections, then he should be happy and willingly advocate for a speedy recount rather than trying to stall it.

It is horrible, deceitful and hypocritical for him to claim that for two decades he has fought against Burnham rigging of the elections, yet he has accepted Mr Mingo’s spurious tabulation of Region Four votes. This is not the thinking of a rational, attentive and thoughtful person. Rather, it is someone who is in a state of confusion and denial and who has put their personal interest and political ambitions above everything else.

It is very sad that the powers that be believe that they can ignore the will of the people, violate the Constitution, bully the people and remain in office as an illegitimate Government for more than 51 days after the March 2, elections. These are clear indications that the interests of the people and those of the country are placed on the backburner, which in essence is the hallmark of utter selfishness.

Mr Prime Minister, it seems that your credibility and that of your colleagues and the top brass of GECOM especially the Chairperson, the Chief and Deputy Chief Executive Officers is becoming questionable as each day passes. It is mindboggling, if not senseless, for the powers that be and some GECOM Commissioners to do everything in their powers to try to stall the recount. It is regrettable and downright shameful that after more than 60 years of independence, Guyanese are incapable of conducting fair, free and transparent elections.

Sincerely,
Dr Asquith Rose