Patterson walks

One week after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled that his appointment was unconstitutional, Justice (Rt’d) James Patterson has left his post as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission effective June 24.

A statement from the Department of Public Information (DPI) Tuesday noted that President Granger met with Mr Patterson Tuesday morning following his resignation and thanked him for his more than 20 months of service.

“The decision by the former GECOM Chair to demit office is in keeping with the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) that his appointment was “flawed” and thereby unconstitutional.

“The Government of Guyana reiterates its acceptance of the CCJ ruling in the case of Zulfikar Mustafa and the Attorney General of Guyana and the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission,” the DPI statement noted.

Justice Patterson was appointed as GECOM Chair in October 2017.