Nothing to talk about at this point
Dear Editor,
The APNU+AFC continues to drain the emotional capital of the nation. In their latest propaganda statement, the APNU+AFC claimed that there is “a carefully orchestrated plan to oust a legitimately elected government and to implement regime change”. In reality, the rest of Guyana and the international community are bearing witness to a carefully orchestrated plan by the APNU+AFC to deny a legitimately elected government from rightfully assuming office. No amount of spin or propaganda will change this fact and any alternative narrative will continue to be a figment of the APNU+AFC’s imagination.
Contrary to the APNU+AFC’s claim, there is a genuine desire to assist Guyana at this difficult juncture. This is why the international community has insisted that the will of the people be respected and the declaration of the results be based on the recount. Without a legitimate government in place, the international community will not channel resources to Guyana through the APNU+AFC government. This much is very clear. Do you think that the World Bank or any other international financial institution (IFI) would have shunned our request for funds to help fight the Coronavirus had there been a legitimate and internationally recognized government in place?
It appears that the APNU+AFC is growing increasingly uneasy following the recent visa restrictions and the promise of more sanctions to come. How else can you explain their recent call for dialogue? The time for dialogue was five years ago when the APNU+AFC won a razor-thin majority, not now when they lost by approximately 15,000 votes. And the time for dialogue will come again after the duly elected president and his government take their rightful place.
That David Hinds has also suggested that “the leaders must begin to talk” and that “the so-called civil society organizations” facilitate the conversations is yet another apparent act of desperation. This is the same person who not so long ago suggested burning the ballot boxes but is now advocating for leadership and compromise. The electorate spoke clearly on March 2, and their voices must now be respected first and foremost. Until then, there is nothing to talk about at this point.
Yours faithfully, Omchand Mahdu