SECRETARY-GENERAL of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Irwin LaRocque says the democratic process is at work in Guyana and urged that the court be allowed to make its ruling in the no confidence vote case.

LaRocque, speaking to members of the media on the sidelines of a youth summit on Monday, was questioned on CARICOM’s position with respect to the confidence motion. “The democratic process is at work in Guyana and we have to allow the democratic process to work,” LaRocque related. “We have been observing…we have been looking, we have been watching on, but the democratic process is at work.”

LaRocque spoke to members of the media mere hours before the High Court had the first hearing into the matter. “It is my understanding that the courts are beginning to hear arguments….The matter is before the courts and I think we should allow that discussion of that litigation to go through and see what is the outcome,” he said at the time.

However, he also posited: “I am sure the court in its wisdom…will rule appropriately. My concern is that it be done swiftly, that the matter is before the court and let the court act swiftly.”

A few hours after LaRocque’s comments, Guyana’s Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire heard two fixed-date applications which challenged passage of the motion. A petition was also filed that the motion was validly passed. The chief justice committed to making a ruling in the matter by the end of January. The secretary-general recently met with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and was briefed on government’s plans following the no-confidence vote of December 21 last. LaRocque also met with Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo and was briefed on the arguments being put forward by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) in support of the vote.