Respect our “legitimate decision” is the stern message the Government of Guyana has sent to the United States Embassy as it officially blocked the Carter Center from returning to Guyana for the purpose of overseeing the ongoing recount of votes cast at the March 2 General and Regional Elections.
In a letter dated May15, the government responded to the embassy’s weeks’ old request for the Carter Center and a representative of the International Republican Institute (IRI) to observe the recount.
As its reason for the denial, the government cited travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 virus.
Also, the government was keen to note its full confidence in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) team of observers.
The letter signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karen Cummings, stated, “I take this opportunity to inform you and to iterate that the Caribbean Community remains the most legitimate interlocutors in the Guyana situation and that Guyana is equally confident in the legitimacy, credibility, and competence of the CARICOM team to perform its task.”
Cummings asked that the decision be respected.
