Persons facing sanctions were not notified; will find out when they seek to travel – US Ambassador
US Ambassador, Sarah Ann-Lynch
US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann Lynch told journalists this morning that persons facing visa restrictions for undermining Guyana’s democracy were not notified about the sanction on them, but will be informed if they seek to travel.
The Ambassador was tightlipped about the identities and categories of persons affected, pointing to US privacy laws that prohibit her from releasing such information.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had announced the sanctions yesterday and demanded that President David Granger step aside.
Lynch took the opportunity to note that despite there being about seven different results being brought forth during this election saga, the US Government has thrown its weight behind the “legitimate and credible count” of the national recount process.
In response to questions posed about allegations of fraudulent votes by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)’s Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, Lynch pointed to the CARICOM Scrutineer Team which President David Granger had referred to as the “most legitimate interlocutor” on the situation.
The US Government regards CARICOM as the most legitimate interlocutor too, Lynch noted, therefore, it expects a declaration in-keeping with the Team’s findings. The CARICOM Team had noted in its report that the elections were credible.
Lynch drew attention to recent attacks on GECOM Chair retired Justice Claudette Singh’s character and took the opportunity to defend Singh and the integrity she has shown in her years as a jurist. Lynch also praised Guyana’s relationship with the United States and expressed the hope that Guyana would move forward on a democratic path.
