US Congressman urges continued dialogue in Guyana

United States (US) Congressman Gregory W. Meeks says he continues to “closely monitor” the unfolding political situation in Guyana and is urging for political parties to continue dialogue.

Mr Meeks, who is also a senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the statement on January 18 on his website.

“I continue to closely monitor the unfolding political situation in Guyana, and affirm the bond that the United States and Guyana share.  It is because of that bond that I urge continued talks.

“I want to see democracy prevail as it must in all strong and thriving democracies.”

He said, “Guyana, is one of our hemisphere’s most strategically important partners, and it stands at the brink of potentially transformative economic development.

He further noted that as an emerging economy, “political stability is key to the advancement of Guyana and the people of that great nation.”

On December 21, 2018, an Opposition-sponsored No-Confidence Motion was passed against the Coalition Government in the National Assembly after one of its own Parliamentarians, Charrandass Persaud voted in favour of the motion.

The APNU+AFC Government only has a one-seat majority in the House.

The passage of the motion triggered early elections but it is now subject to court proceedings and the High Court is scheduled to hand down a ruling by the end of this month.

Since then, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger have only met once to charter the way forward.