February 21, 2024

Georgetown, Guyana.

For immediate release to all media houses.

PRESS RELEASE

US Ambassador Nicole Theriot pays a courtesy call on AFC Executive members

The Alliance For Change (AFC) yesterday received newly accredited US Ambassador to Guyana, the Hon. Nicole D. Theriot, who paid a courtesy call on Executive members of the party at its Centre For Change headquarters. In attendance at the successful meeting were Khemraj Ramjattan MP the leader of the AFC, the Party’s Chairperson Cathy Hughes MP and General Secretary Sherod Duncan MP.

At this 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. These were highlighted by the AFC 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 Alliance For Change, 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 observed the unwillingness by the 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 Alliance For Change highlighted its disappointment that the Parliamentary system was not operating at its optimum, and evidenced this by the non-establishment and non-functioning 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 AFC Executive members.

Reaffirming their commitment to upholding democratic principles and calling out violations thereof, the meeting was signaled as the first of many.

End.