THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Thursday commissioned a spanking new two- storey office on Republic Avenue, Mackenzie Linden, to the tune of $20M.

Gracing the simple but significant ceremony were GECOM Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson and Chief Elections Officer, Mr. Keith Lowenfield. The 11 permanent staff members will now work in a conducive and comfortable working environment that will enable them to effectively and efficiently serve their constituents in District 10.

CEO Lowenfield, in his short address, said that it is stipulated in GECOM’s constitution that sub-offices should be in each district, so as to establish a standard that will be maintained throughout Guyana. This was necessary in District 10, given the vastness of the territory, which borders seven other regions, and encompasses all three counties. “It is a large territory, and therefore important to efficiently manage every community, every division within the area wherever Guyanese are resident in that area,” Lowenfield said.

While not too many complaints came out of District 10, Lowenfield is remaining optimistic that the number will move to nil, with the putting into use of the new building. “This building here today is a mandate of the Commission that all our staff members across Guyana, wherever they function, should be in a comfortable environment to ensure the services they provide to registrants and to the electors are easily accessible,” Lowenfield said, adding:
“That is no small area we’re talking about. We have to ensure all those persons who are 14 years and older by a prescribed time are registered.”

The CEO said he was happy with the services of the district, and is hoping that as Local Government Election approaches, the building will add to the functionality of the officers. Justice Patterson, in his address, urged the officers to care the facility, and to upkeep the standard that he has witnessed on his visit.

He also commended the officers and employees for overcoming the various challenges they faced in the old building. This spirit, he said, has also helped him to overcome various challenges he faced since he was appointed chairman.

The Commission is hoping that in the future, it will also have its own office on the Wismar shore. Several new regional offices around Guyana were also commissioned.