By Paul Mc Adam
GECOM Commissioner, Desmond Trotman, is convinced that the opposition is in no rush to actually have the body conduct free and fair elections and is more bent on engineering a crisis to force the hand of the security forces.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Trotman said the opposition commissioners constant “walking out” of GECOM meetings is part of a move to engineer this crisis.
He said it was clearly understood that GECOM would have been unable to meet the constitutionally-mandated deadline on March 21.

“They were part of that vote and we couldn’t meet the April deadline,” he said.
He explained that following the meeting with President David Granger to update him on GECOM’s work plan, the inability to meet the initial deadlines was understood and explained.

“The President said look, go back, consult and see if it is you could arrive at a consensus. We went back with the understanding that we would work to a consensus.”
The WPA nominated-commissioner is of the firm belief that the opposition is determined to stymie the body’s work by their continued “walk outs”.

“They are more concerned about provoking a crisis and seeking international intervention similar and consistent with what is happening in Venezuela. That’s where their minds are!” he said.

The veteran politician referenced a recent consultation with the diplomatic community where he said “Commissioner Benn made an intervention which made me want to vomit”.
“Because here it was, that he was prostrating himself before the international community saying ‘help we’. Is only you all could help we!’ He was conveying the impression that ‘look we are prepared to invite you as the new colonial master and we’re going to be your puppets’. And that is indicative of what is in their doing.”

The recent statements by Jagdeo about “chasing out” ministers and government officials from communities after March 21, has been condemned by several right-thinking sectors of society.

Adding his voice, commissioner Trotman believes that Jagdeo is guilty of incitement and trying not only to goad Guyana’s security forces, but also to force Guyana into a crisis.
“He believes that if the security forces arrest him, it gives his base something to work with.”

Trotman is however urging caution, until it can be ascertained beyond any doubt that Jagdeo is inciting violence, before the necessary action be taken.
“Only when they are absolutely certain that he is going in that direction, then they should move against him,” he said.

Trotman is optimistic that despite the opposition’s manoeuvrings, good sense will prevail and the body will deliver free and fair elections as constitutionally mandated within the earliest possible time.