Diplomats urge respect of CCJ ruling on No Confidence motion

The Diplomatic community in Guyana has urged that Tuesday’s ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) be respected.

“The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has ruled and it is important that all sides respect that ruling.

“We also encourage all to come to an agreement on the way forward,” the diplomats said in a joint statement.

The statement was issued by the United States Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch, the United Kingdom High Commissioner Greg Quinn, the High Commissioner of Canada Lilian Chatterjee and head of the EU delegation Jernej Videtič.

The CCJ will next Monday hear from all parties on what should happen next.

The CCJ ruled that the December 21 No Confidence motion was properly passed with 33 votes in the 65-seat National Assembly. It also ruled that the appointment of the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission breached the Constitution.

President of the Court, Justice Adrian Saunders, urged the parties to engage with each other. It is hoped that they can come up with a consensus that the Court can then use to make its consequential orders.

According to Article 106 (6) of the Constitution, elections should be held within three months after a No Confidence motion is passed, unless the National Assembly extends the deadline.

The CCJ ruling comes almost six months after the passage of the motion.

The Guyana Elections Commission has told the President that elections are only possible in late November because of its house to house registration process.

The Opposition has argued that the list can be updated without house to house registration.

“We are hoping for a happy marriage between principle and practicality,” said Justice Jacob Wit.

Justice Saunders said the rulings are clear and the Court is hoping that the parties can agree on the consequential orders.