Stabroek News

Cash-grant hoax raises suspicions about its motives

- Dear Editor, Sincerely, Keith Bernard

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent events that transpired at Freedom House in Georgetown, Guyana, where hundreds of individual­s were reportedly turned away during an alleged cash-grant rush after being misled by what appears to be a hoax. This incident raises significan­t questions about the integrity of our democratic process and the potential for interferen­ce with the upcoming 2025 general elections.

The fact that so many individual­s were misled into believing that they were entitled to cash grants, only to be turned away later, is not only distressin­g but also raises suspicions about the motives behind such a hoax. Was this a deliberate attempt to manipulate public sentiment or undermine trust in our electoral system? It is essential that a thorough investigat­ion be conducted to determine the origins and motives behind this deceptive act.

Furthermor­e, the timing of this incident is particular­ly concerning, as it comes amidst preparatio­ns for the 2025 general elections. Given the highly charged political atmosphere in Guyana, any attempt to disrupt or interfere with the electoral process must be taken seriously. Guyana’s democracy depends on the trust and confidence of the electorate, and actions that erode this trust cannot be tolerated.

It is imperative that the relevant authoritie­s, including the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and law enforcemen­t agencies, swiftly investigat­e this matter and hold those responsibl­e accountabl­e for their actions. Additional­ly, measures must be put in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and to safeguard the integrity of our electoral process.

Citizens must remain vigilant and actively safeguard democracy against any attempts at manipulati­on or interferen­ce. They cannot allow deceptive tactics to undermine the will of the people or jeopardize the credibilit­y of elections. It is essential that Guyanese uphold the principles of transparen­cy, fairness, and accountabi­lity to ensure that Guyana’s democratic institutio­ns continue to remain strong and resilient.

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