Task Force rejects GECOM’s request for more recount stations

The National COVID-19 Task Force, headed by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, has denied the request of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to add more work stations at the Arthur Chung Conference Center where the national recount of ballots from the March 2 general and regional elections is ongoing.

The rejection letter was dispatched Thursday by Dr. Colin James, Coordinator of the Health Emergency Operations Centre to GECOM Chairman Justice (rt’d) Claudette Singh.

In its refusal of additional recount stations, the COVID-19 task force said, “Conscious of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) nature and scope of activities, at this time, the National COVID 19 Taskforce HEOC deliberations have arrived at that conclusion that public safety and wellness remains the primary focus to mitigate the negative impact and to prevent the spread of the COVID 19 Pandemic.

“The National Taskforce HEOC has diligently reviewed its Reports dated 21st April 2020 and 15th May 15, 2020, submitted to your Commission and have determined that it cannot concede to the request for the installation and operation of additional workstation and increase in the number of persons to be in the ACCC during the period of Recount.”

See the full letter below:

Justice (Rtd) Ms. Claudette Singh

Chairperson

Guyana Elections Commission

28^th May, 2020

Dear Chairperson,

I refer to your communication to the National COVID 19 Taskforce seeking a review of the recommendations submitted to your agency regarding the allotment of workstations and number of persons who should be at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at any given time.

Conscious of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) nature and scope of activities, at this time, the National COVID 19 Taskforce HEOC deliberations have arrived at that conclusion that public safety and wellness remains the primary focus to mitigate the negative impact and to prevent the spread of the COVID 19 Pandemic.

The National Taskforce HEOC has diligently reviewed its Reports dated 21^st April 2020 and 15^th May 15, 2020 submitted to your Commission and have determined that it cannot concede to the request for the installation and operation of additional workstation and increase in the number of persons to be in the ACCC during the period of Recount

For ease of reference, I attached copies of both reports referred to.

Yours respectively

Signed

Dr. Colin James

HEOC Coordinator