Conference Of Roman Catholic Bishops “Alarmed And Dismayed” About Guyana’s Political Crisis

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, March 21, 2020 (CMC) – The Roman Catholic bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference – which include the English-, Dutch- and French-speaking countries of the Caribbean — have expressed “alarm and dismay” at the post-election governance crisis in Guyana.

In a statement, yesterday, the clergy men stated that while they are “heartened by the persistent efforts of the leaders of CARICOM (Caribbean Community) to facilitate a resolution of this issue, by organizing a delegation to supervise the re-counting of the ballots of the general and regional elections of March 2”, they believe that the efforts of CARICOM “have been thwarted, by an injunction in Guyana’s top court, restraining the Guyana Electoral Commission from recounting any ballots of the General Elections”.

“We certainly agree with Sir Shridath Ramphal, a prominent Caribbean figure, that Guyana is being deprived of regional and international approval, and the opportunity for global respect, at a time when it matters most.

“Therefore, we encourage them to persevere in their commitment to facilitate a peaceful resolution.”

In the statement, the Bishops sought to remind the political leaders of Guyana, that there has been, generally, a history of fair and honest elections in the Caribbean.

“Ones, which have produced respected political leaders, ensured the preservation of our democracies, and contributed to the development of our people and its resources. We trust that the present election in Guyana will follow this tradition,” the statement declared.

Concerning the presence of COVID-19 in Guyana, the clergymen said, in the midst of the pandemic, the situation surrounding the polls must be solved.

“As Catholic bishops of the Caribbean, we urge the people of Guyana, not to allow the flame of hope and resilience to be extinguished. We believe that God has empowered and inspired you, throughout your political history, to overcome many political and social challenges – challenges that have tested you, like gold in the furnace, to shine brightly in the Caribbean,” the statement concluded.