For immediate release to all media houses.
Georgetown, Guyana,
December 16, 2022
AFC PRESS STATEMENT FROM PRESS CONFERENCE OF DECEMBER 16, 2022
Video link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aow__Jrp3ylTU7xkad_Dm43mjhtGQJ1d/view?usp=sharing
The AFC meets with US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch updated
The Executive Committee of the Alliance for Change (AFC) on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, met with and held cordial discussions with US Ambassador Her Excellency Sarah Ann Lynch on various matters of mutual interest.
The US Ambassador’s delegation included Brian Hall, Political and Economic Counselor and Howard Chyung, Political Officer.
The AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, was accompanied by Chair Cathy Hughes, Vice Chair Ricky Ramsaroop, General Secretary Sherod Duncan, and former General Secretary David Patterson.
Among the issues discussed were the current challenges to our democracy, highlighted by AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan who pointed to the removal of several of the “guardrails” of our democratic tradition, including the passage of legislation that indirectly reduces accountability and transparency in the operation of the committee. This was exemplified by a detailed explanation of a change to the required quorum for convening the Public Accounts Committee, which has resulted in the cessation of meetings of this most crucial parliamentary committee.
The AFC also used the opportunity to highlight the non-functioning of several other constitutionally required parliamentary sectorial committees and commissions laid dormant by the deliberate action of the governing PPP administration. In addition, the continued absence of opposition selected representatives on state boards was raised as another area of significant concern.
During the meeting, former AFC General Secretary David Patterson provided an in-depth analysis of GECOM and the impending local government elections, including the state of the current voters’ list and the AFC’s position.
Another concern was the current unequal distribution of national resources, as documented in the recent “Economy and Justice” presentation. This growing unequal distribution in several key sectors of the economy and its potential racial strife was placed on the table as an urgent matter threatening an already deteriorating national security environment.
This engagement is the first in a series of meetings which the AFC will conduct with representatives of the diplomatic community and wider community to discuss pressing national issues. In addition, in the new year, the party will reach out to other political parties, civil society and NGO organisations to engage in similar discussions.
AFC CALLS FOR AN IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION INTO THE BREACH OF STATE HOUSE
Updated; Friday December 16, 2022
The Alliance For Change (AFC) condemns and calls for an immediate high-level investigation into the unlawful and forceful entry into State House yesterday by an unknown assailant, causing injuries to a member of the Presidential Guard and minor damage to the property.
We are thankful that the intrusion has been contained and the suspect, who sustained minor injuries, has been captured and is in police custody.
State House is the established and official residence of the President of Guyana and his family and should be protected at all costs. It is evident from yesterday’s action that the security apparatus and protocol at the facility need an overhaul to provide maximum protection for the property.
The AFC implores the government to investigate immediately to ascertain the perpetrator’s true motives, intentions, associations and true identity and whether he acted alone or in concert with any seditious movement. Already, there are wild unfounded claims and conjectures about today’s event, ranging from the action of an individual of unsound mind to being an organized and planned attack.
However, only a professional inquiry can reveal the facts and circumstances surrounding this breach of State House. This is a matter of public interest, and the government is obligated to inform the people of Guyana of the progress of its investigation.
In the meantime, we encourage the government to take all the necessary steps to protect the lives of the occupants and users of the facility.
From a national security standpoint, the AFC believes this breach must be treated with the highest levels of seriousness and importance.
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