Delay in elections results hurting Afro-Guyanese interests …ACDA says time has come for shared governance

African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) on Friday said it is concerned that the protracted election crisis is counterproductive to National interest and by extension the interest of African Guyanese who have had to endure historic systemic exclusion and oppression. It has also called for a political solution between the two major political blocks which would see a shared balance of power distribution amongst the Guyanese people.

“The situation also provides fertile grounds for foreign powers to tighten their grip on Guyana’s sovereignty and natural resources. The numerous statements emanating from Foreign capitals seem to be a clear breach of diplomacy and hints at geopolitical manoeuvering which often results in destabilising of countries,” ACDA said in the statement.

The organization said: “our leaders on both sides of the fence should recognise these tactics and resist aligning with these acts which may appear to bring short term gains but in the long run would not be in the best interest of all Guyanese. Guyanese both home and abroad should take note of what appears to be an orchestrated attack on National sovereignty which seems like a sinister attempt to hijack Guyanas natural resources at the expense of every Guyanese.” ACDA then called for a political solution between the two major political blocks which would see a shared balance of power distribution amongst the Guyanese people.

It is now time for our national leaders to rise to the historical challenge and reach a compromise that restores dignity to the Guyanese nation and give justice to all races. In our view, an internal solution is superior to one imposed by external forces, political or judicial: this is the only sensible way out of this potentially dangerous situation. “ACDA wishes to remind our national leaders that they and the nation were “criticized” by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for being unable to resolve their problem in the no confidence case. Guyanese deserved better from our leadership.” The organisation noted.

ACDA also noted that the persistent interference and corruption by external forces leave most right-thinking Guyanese to have little to no confidence in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) being a neutral and fair arbitrator of the election crisis given the geopolitical importance that the Developed world capitals seem to have in the outcome of these elections. “This interference equates to the highest form of disenfranchisement of all Guyanese, extending beyond this sudden, misplaced and insincere concern of vote and voter disenfranchisement.

The laws of Guyana are clear and adequate to support peaceful resolution of Guyanas Electoral challenges. A position by the CCJ counter to the recognition of this reality translates to a dark day for Caribbean “democracy”.

Our history has informed us that in a world dominated by “White Power and Privilege” justice for Africans is elusive and for the naive a misadventure. We are not fooled. The African proverb teaches us that when brothers fight to the death, a stranger inherits their father’s estate.”