Chris Ram gives up gov’t-related posts

-as fallout from GECOM furore continues

Chartered accountant and attorney Christopher Ram yesterday signalled a cut in ties with the government as the fallout from President David Granger’s unilateral naming of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) continues.

A day after Major-General (Rtd) Joe Singh resigned from all government work, Ram yesterday followed suit. In a statement, he said: “In support of the heroic and exemplary decision by Major General (Ret’d) Joe Singh to resign from all government-related posts, I am today informing the Attorney General Mr. Basil Williams of my withdrawal from membership of the planning committee and de facto leader of the Guyana negotiating team for the establishment of the JOF Haynes Law School. If the truth be told, Mr. Williams has been so impressed with my contribution that he asked for my CV to recommend me for a National Award. I declined, saying my service was for country, for neither award nor reward”.

He then referred to the ongoing controversy over Granger’s rejection of 18 nominees for the GECOM chairmanship put forward by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. The manner of the President’s rejection of the names has cast the nominees – several of whom have been engaged with government or honoured in other ways by it – as not being `fit and proper’ and this, according to sources, is what triggered Singh’s resignation.

Ram said: “Given that the Constitution deems me a fit and proper person makes President Granger’s assessment of me of no import. Indeed, I am fortified in my conviction that his decision is entirely wrong and unconstitutional”.

He also skewered the Granger administration which has come under increasing attack on good governance issues.

“While I remain committed to serving my country, I make the clear distinction between Guyana and the Government. The blatant disregard by the Granger Administration for the Constitution, the courts, the principles of good governance and for social cohesion, is a matter which should be of grave concern to all of us who claim respect and love of country”, Ram said.

Since Granger’s shock announcement on October 19 that he was making a unilateral appointment, there has been an outpouring of condemnation and concern from the Private Sector Commission, the Guyana Human Rights Association, the Guyana Bar Association, the Berbice Bar Association, the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry among others.

Granger’s actions have also seen scorching attacks on the Alliance For Change over its support of the unilateral selection of Justice James Patterson.

The opposition PPP/C has since announced a campaign of non-co-operation with the government.