AFC meets U.S Ambassador Theriot, discusses teachers’ strike, governance, Voters List, etc

The Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive members received newly accredited United States Ambassador to Guyana, the Hon. Nicole D. Theriot on a courtesy call at the party’s headquarters last Monday. In attendance, at the what the party called a successful meeting, were Leader Khemraj Ramjattan MP, Chairperson Cathy Hughes MP, and General Secretary Sherod Duncan MP.

In a release the party said in a frank and informative session, matters of mutual importance were raised with the Ambassador.

“They included constitutional reform which the AFC reiterated must be placed high on the national agenda; the importance of a new electoral list as a fundamental requirement prior to the holding of the next election; and, the introduction of biometrics at the place of poll.” According to the party these were highlighted as necessary to ensure confidence in the electoral process.

It was acknowledged that several Observer Missions to the 2020 General Elections emphasised the importance of a new list for the next General Elections.

The AFC, additionally, raised its concerns regarding the rapid erosion of the democratic principles of transparency, accountability and freedom of speech which is occurring in Guyana with alarming intensity recently.

The party informed the Ambassador of the unwillingness by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government to ensure participation of the Opposition and civil society in the decision-making processes of the State; and, even meaningful consultation where that is statutorily provided for.

The AFC highlighted its disappointment that the Parliamentary system was not operating at its optimum and evidenced this by the non-establishment and nonfunctioning of its various Committees and a number of Statutory Commissions.

The disrespectful and dismissive treatment of the Government to striking teachers demanding their right to collective bargaining as the means for better remuneration, which can ferment a situation detrimental to all Guyana and even further afield, was also addressed by the party executive members.

The AFC said the party and ambassador reaffirmed commitment to upholding democratic principles and calling out violations thereof, and their meeting was signaled as the first of many.