New EU Ambassador cites needs for ‘timely’ electoral process
The new Ambassador of the European Union to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó, has highlighted the need for new elections in Guyana meeting “all relevant standards.”
“As your country approaches the next electoral date, I am happy to reiterate the EU’s availability to accompany your efforts, as we know we agree on the importance of ensuring transparent, inclusive and timely processes meeting all relevant standards,” Cantó said in addressing President David Granger at his accreditation ceremony held Wednesday morning at the Ministry of the Presidency.
Today marks almost nine months since the National Assembly passed a No-Confidence motion against the Government, with the Constitution demanding elections in three months.
That timeframe was put on hold and the clock began ticking again on June 18, once the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s final court of appeal, determined several legal challenges.
However, the President has not yet dissolved Parliament or named a date for elections, saying he is awaiting the advice of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
The EU has been one of Guyana’s main development partners over the past four decades.
“During this period the EU has contributed in a very substantial manner to support multiple sectors of the Guyanese society such as education, health, agriculture, infrastructure development, strengthening of governance, institutional capacity building, trade facilitation as well as, most importantly, democracy and human rights,” Cantó said.
President Granger acknowledged that Guyana has benefited substantially from the EU’s development cooperation programmes.
He said that the future cooperation programme between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States will establish a platform on which to construct a new generation of partnership.
“These agreements will assist in the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the Sustainable Development Goals to which Guyana is unequivocally committed,” the President stated.
The President stated that Guyana will continue in its efforts to provide increased access to modern, clean and affordable energy and to boost its efforts to address climate adaptation, notwithstanding the establishment of an oil and gas sector.