Georgetown: The Canadian Government is confident that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will deliver free and fair elections come May 11, according to Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles.
She made this disclosure while addressing Rotarians at the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam’s Annual World Understanding and Peace Dinner recently.
Noting that during an election period emotions can easily supersede mutual respect, the High Commissioner said Canada was eagerly looking forward to seeing Guyana continue on its development path as she linked fair elections to development.
“There is a strong correlation between free, fair and peaceful elections and the progressive development of a country. We hope that the election will help to unlock the political stalemate that has sometimes characterised politics in Guyana over the past few years, and allow Guyana to continue to progress on the path of peaceful development,” she noted.
The High Commissioner added that Canada was committed to working with the Government of Guyana, GECOM, all political parties and civil society to support free, fair and peaceful elections as the democratic expression of the will of the Guyanese people.
World Understanding and Peace Day coincided with Rotary International Anniversary on February 23. This year Rotary International celebrated its 110th anniversary. High Commissioner Giles said Rotary has a link with understanding and peace because of the Club’s motto of the advancement of international understanding and peace.
Peace and understanding are needed as people the world over continue to be caught in humanitarian crises, conflicts, disputes and disasters which result in considerable loss of life. These conflicts and disputes are often driven by insecurity, inequality, illiteracy, unequal access to resources and the violation of basic human rights – all of which threaten to erode peaceful progress and development. “One example of this is Russia’s ongoing military aggression in Ukraine, which has already cost the lives of more than 5300 people. Another example is the barbaric actions of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, including last week’s abduction of at least 90 people in Syria.”
There are a collection of important actors that respond to and provide invaluable assistance in times of crisis. Unwavering dedication and a service oriented approach to work is one of the distinguishing marks of Rotary, the High Commissioner noted.
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