Pride News Canada's Leader In African Canadian & Caribbean News, Views & Lifestyle
GEORGETOWN, Guyana CMC – Canada, on Monday, signed an agreement with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), providing CDN$20,000 (One Canada dollar = US$0.68 cents) for purchasing equipment to be used in the local government elections, last held here on August 8 in 1994.
“Canada has been a strong supporter of the electoral process here in Guyana, and we were extremely pleased when we heard of the fixed date of March 18 for the local elections,” said Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Pierre Giroux.
Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Pierre Giroux.
Giroux said, that local elections “are very important” and forms part of a process to bring government closer to the people.
“It fosters greater inclusion, civic responsibility and empowerment and participation,” he added.
He said, Canada will continue to be supportive of Guyana, noting that the two countries will be celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations this year.
GECOM said, it intends to use the Canadian funds to purchase several pieces of equipment, including public address systems which will be used as part of its education of the voter drive.
GECOM chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, said, his organisation has been stepping up its public education program for the local government elections, recognising that it will have to do more.
The last local government election was won by then ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
The party lost both the regional and general elections last year to the coalition A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC).
