The APNU+AFC government is unfazed by criticisms and concerns raised recently over the appointment of Justice (ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

At a post-Cabinet press briefing Thursday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon told reporters that the criticism leveled against Justice Patterson can in no way derail the credibility of the election process.

Recently, the Guyana Human Rights Authority (GHRA), questioned Justice Patterson’s suitability for the post of GECOM Chair, based on the position he had taken in the ‘Grenada 17’ trial some three decades ago. Additionally, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), and local transparency watchdog, Transparency International (TIGI) questioned the appointment of Justice Patterson to the post.

“It is difficult for people in retrospect to look at decisions that were made by judges and then deem them inappropriate for the job which they are holding now, because of the decisions they gave then. That was the situation at that time and a judge deals with the matter before him or her,” said Minister Harmon.

Meanwhile, when asked about the lack of meetings by the elections body, Minister Harmon reminded that GECOM is a Constitutional body that operates autonomously. “The Commission has to regulate its processes. A chairman has been appointed and I’m sure that the chairman would be anxious to have the Commission’s work proceed…As far as I’m aware, work has been going on in the Commission that is required for any Local Government Elections or National Elections,” Harmon declared.

Justice Patterson, a retired High Court Judge, was on October 19, 2017, appointed Chairman of GECOM by President David Granger. President Granger appointed Justice Patterson after rejecting the third list of nominees submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.