President should launch inquiry into GECOM hiring process

Dear Editor,
Having noted the most recent development of what appears to be a controversy over the ethnic composition of the staff and employment practices of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), I believe there should be an immediate public declaration of its list of employees and related information.
I am of the opinion that given the sensitivity of this issue, the national importance of GECOM and the need for it to be fair and unbiased in all aspects of its operations, including employment practices, the onus is for it to make the information public immediately in an effort to prevent a potentially dangerous and divisive situation from escalating.
While I believe that meritocracy must be of primary consideration, I reject any notion perpetuated by those who seem to be peddling a particular agenda for a desired outcome, that Indo-Guyanese are not interested in seeking employment with GECOM or lack the required competency.
Further, I also believe that the issue which was raised by one of the Commissioners representing the Opposition, Robeson Benn, should have been supported by him presenting relevant information being mindful of the national sensitivities. If his assertions are not merely spurious, then his position would have been informed expectedly based upon related information which should have been presented.
Similarly, the statement by Government represented Commissioner Vincent Alexander that the burden of proof lay with the Opposition, is utterly unacceptable and must be seen as a willful attempt to divert from a very serious accusation. With the allegation of influencing the employment process being levelled against at least one Commissioner representing the Government and the potential for it to aggravate racial tension, that burden cannot escape the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of GECOM.
Given that I, like many others, was not privy to what actually transpired at the meeting during which the issue was officially raised, the expectation would be for all views to be freely articulated with resolution being foremost and corrective mechanisms implements if deemed necessary without delay. GECOM cannot and must not be immune to democratic practices.
This responsibility lies explicitly with the Chairman who must at all times ensure that the Commission remains professional despite disagreements and not appear as trying to suppress an issue, more especially this sensitive one in question. It is therefore extremely disappointing that GECOM has not yet presented to the public relevant employment information which could dispute Benn’s assertion. The apparent reluctance thus far opens interpretation for a worrying conclusion of credence to Benn’s statement.
Many are extremely concerned over this issue which alleges deliberate attempts to discriminate against Guyanese Indians and remain mindful of similar accusations levelled against the Administration after it assumed office in 2015. Many cases of firing allegedly because of their race were reported and to date it appears these have been brushed aside.
Efforts to prevent any Guyanese, in this case Indians, from being considered for employment or have their information deliberately altered for the same purpose, is a transgression of their constitutional rights, a blatant attempt to marginalised, racial discrimination and a potent tool to sow the seeds of disharmony in an already fragile society.
Given the triumphal and racially toned utterances of some who are associated with the current Government and who seem infatuated to impose one group over the others, this recent development at GECOM can further give credibility to the perception that Guyanese Indians are being targeted thereby imposing a belief that they may not necessarily belong.
This action can serve to further frustrate Guyanese Indians, thereby forcing many more to continue to seek solace overseas bringing into question the deliberateness of the said action. Guyanese Indians, like all other groups, have and continue to make invaluable contributions to the building of this nation and any form of discrimination against them will undoubtedly have negative national impact. Beyond GECOM, the Government has a responsibility to intervene, not in piecemeal manner, to address issues such as these.
I was pleased at President David Granger’s comment on the issue that his Government does not influence the employment practices at GECOM. While that is most heartening to know, in the interest of national unity and his commendable action of establishing the Social Cohesion Ministry, he must order an immediate investigation to reveal the truth in keeping with his proclivity for Commissions of Inquiry. Anything otherwise will convey a frightening message to Guyanese Indians and inflict further damage to the already flagging social cohesion efforts.
In the interim, mechanisms must immediately be implemented to safeguard the interest of Guyanese Indians who have applied and those who are in the process of applying to GECOM.
Sincerely,
Rajendra Doodnauth