Founder of the Guyana Foundation, Supriya Singh-Bodden, who was in 2015 awarded the Cacique Crown of Honour, has chosen to renounce this acclaimed title amid the current doubts about the lack of transparency during the 2020 polls.
The Cacique Crown of Honour is one of Guyana’s highest national honours and was bestowed upon Singh-Bodden by President David Granger for her exceptional service in the field of youth and women’s empowerment.
In giving the rationale behind her decision to give up the award, Singh-Bodden explained that she cannot “wear this medal with pride” due to the lack of transparency surrounding the General and Regional Elections.
In a statement, Singh-Bodden stated: “I have watched as the world has, the events that have unfolded over the past few days. I have allowed my sentiments to be heard. You have all read them. I will say no more. As soon as it is possible, I will be making an official handing over of the Cacique Crown of Honor Medal I was given.”
She added: “While doubt hangs in the air about the transparency of Guyana’s elections results and many feel that the will of the people has not been heard. I cannot wear this medal with pride. I have no bias as to who should win these elections but the process must be fair and transparent. The rule of law and the protection of our democracy is paramount at this critical juncture. I have nothing but a voice, hear it if you will.”
Earlier in the month, Singh-Bodden issued a statement on the Facebook page of the Guyana Foundation with the headline “There Is no winner if the electoral process is flawed.”
In that statement, she cleared herself of being involved with the present elections and the coalition Government during their tenure in office. Singh-Bodden further used the opportunity to condemn the electoral process which, she said, was not transparent.
“I personally and publicly endorsed Mr David Granger at the 2015 General Elections. I was not involved in any way with the present elections or the APNU/AFC Government over their term in office. It was my view then that they were committed to putting Guyana first to lead the country to prosperity and betterment for all.
“I proudly accepted one of Guyana’s highest honours from him. Pledging to always serve my country. I would like to use this platform to say now with absolute conviction that the recent events surrounding the electoral process are wrong,” the statement said.
