Longstanding Elections Commissioner Vincent Alexander, on Wednesday, walked out of a meeting of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) after learning via the news that Durante Hetsberger, who served as Personal Assistant to former Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, was dismissed.
Hetsberger was dismissed on suspicion that he removed data from a computer at GECOM. His dismissal took immediate effect with three months’ pay in lieu of notice.
Alexander told Village Voice News that Hetsberger’s dismissal was unjust.
“This is an attempt to malign the employee. Hetsberger’ computer is not the place where GECOM’s records are kept hence even if he deleted information there can be no accusation of removing information which he was the custodian of. In fact, there is no accusation of any known or specific information being removed,” Alexander explained.
It was noted that the Commission was informed of the “termination,” however, the matter is still to be ratified by the Commission.
The longstanding Commissioner also renewed calls for GECOM to ensure that a proper record system is maintained. He said such a call has not been heeded by the commission and the government nominated commissioners in particular.
