Leader of the Opposition Joseph Harmon on Wednesday met with newly appointed Canadian High Commissioner Mark Berman at his office where he raised a number of issues including the need for a new voters list.
Mr. Harmon welcomed High Commissioner Berman to Guyana for his tour of duty and extended best wishes for a successful sojourn.
The Opposition Leader also updated High Commissioner Berman on the general political situation in the country and a number of concerns of the APNU+AFC Coalition on a number of matters.
Among the matters discussed were:
- Constitutional Reform and the role that the Canadian government has played in providing assistance in this regard and
- the need for a new Voters List based on House-to-House registration as a matter of national priority and the role Canada can play in assisting in advancing this critical issue in light of Canada providing funding to GECOM.
- The widespread campaign of targeting and discrimination of Afro-Guyanese and the political opposition by the Irfaan Ali regime.
Harmon also expressed the need for a resetting of the relationship between the Canadian High Commission and the political opposition.
Mr. Harmon and High Commissioner Berman agreed that there is need for continued regular engagement.
This meeting completes a triumvirate of meetings between the Leader of the Opposition and the ABC countries. Mr. Harmon previously met separately with British High Commissioner Ross Denny and Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy Mark Cullinane. Mr. Harmon also briefed High Commissioner Denny and Mr. Cullinane on a number of matters of concern to the opposition.
Mr. Harmon was accompanied by Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Amanza Walton Desir, MP; Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan MP and Hon. Geeta Chandan-Edmond MP.
High Commissioner Berman was accredited on February 1st 2021.
