I have paid a short visit to Guyana as a member of the CARICOM Bureau on the eve of the release of the findings of the Audit Team and in continuation of the efforts of the Community to foster understanding, mutual trust and harmony in this country.
During my visit I held consultative meetings with the various political leaders and other political representatives, private sector leaders, representatives of the trade unions and the religious community as well as media bosses and heads.
These consultations were extremely useful and informative.
Now that the audit team has completed its work, the findings will be presented in Georgetown on Tuesday, June 2 to each of the political parties which contested the elections of December 15.
This will be done when the Chairman of the Audit Commission, Justice Ulric Cross formally hands over the Report to Political Leaders in the presence of the Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell.
I have not seen the Audit Report and I am not privy to its contents. I regard this as an advantage.
Nothing that I say can therefore be interpreted as anticipating what the Audit might disclose.
The parties to the Herdmanston Accord agreed in writing to, “accept the findings of the first stage of the Audit as binding upon them” and the enabling legislation now provides for, “such findings to be admissible for the purposes of any Election Petition in respect of any matters of fact to which they relate”.
I would invite all parties to refrain from comment or judgement before the Audit Report is publicly revealed. It is important that the report be presented and received in an atmosphere of calm and objectivity.
I wish to make a few broad observations as I complete my mission.
Guyana cannot be allowed to slip into a state of ethnic division or social polarisation. Every Leader, organisation and citizen has a duty to prevent a widening of the gulf.
While there have been inter-party discords and complaints and intimations of failure to create an environment conducive to normalcy, the two main political parties deserve congratulations for preserving a climate in which the Audit process could be completed.
I hope that when the report is released it will not be viewed as an occasion for crisis, but rather be seen as a real opportunity to do the right things to ensure normalcy and progress.
The political parties must now work together assiduously to ensure progress by sustained dialogue and the implementation of all the provisions of the Accord.
Everyone acknowledges that constitutional reform is critical to the process of restoring normalcy in Guyana.
It is therefore imperative to get the process of constitutional reform moving and this has to be done urgently to make up for the time already lost.
The Constitutional Reform Commission needs to be established without delay.
That Commission needs a wide mandate and must have a broad-based membership drawn from representatives of political parties, the labour movement, religious organisations, the private sector, the youth and other social partners.
Priority must be given to measures and arrangements for the improvement of race relations in Guyana and the provision of equal opportunities to promote the cause of justice, equity and progress.
I enjoin the parties to the Accord and all stake-holders in the Guyanese society to refrain from making any inflammatory statement or indulging in exaggerated rhetoric, which could spark mayhem and confusion.
I would also urge all concerned to desist from making pronouncements which could make the fear of violence or ethnic division a self-fulfilling prophecy.
The media has a crucial role to play in fostering a climate of normalcy by refraining from sensationalism. An obsession with rumours and negative predictions can only serve to worsen the situation.
The Caribbean Community is a signatory to the Herdmanston Accord. We remain committed to the spirit and letter of that Accord.
CARICOM is prepared to provide a facilitator and support such mechanisms as would lubricate the process of sustained dialogue to foster harmony and confidence.
The Community is willing to play its role in the search for acceptable solutions but it is in no position to impose them.
The internal problems of Guyana will have to be resolved by the Guyanese people themselves.
CARICOM Heads will make themselves available to assist as best we can, so as to ensure that Guyana and its people are able to operate in an atmosphere of peace and social harmony.
All Guyanese can be assured that their Caribbean brothers and sisters will do everything we can to assist them as they seek to overcome this critical period which poses a threat to the future of a Member State and therefore constitutes a clear and present danger for the entire Community.
