U.S. Tight-Lipped on Visa Restrictions
United States (U.S.) Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch
United States (U.S.) Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch

The United States (U.S) is tight-lipped on the names or number of individuals in Guyana that have been affected by the visa restrictions announced by U.S. Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo.

In a virtual press briefing today hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, she said that “privacy laws” prevent the U.S. from naming these individuals.

The visa restrictions were made under the Section 212(a) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act which speaks to the restriction of persons who potentially pose “serious adverse foreign policy consequences” to the U.S. Lynch said that the visa restrictions took effect immediately, as they were announced by the U.S. Secretary of State.

“Visa records are confidential under U.S. law. We are not able to identify the individuals or provide details on any individuals visa kits,” Lynch stated. “People will be informed when they apply for a visa or if they already have one and they plan to travel to the U.S. They will be informed that their visa has been revoked.”

However, about 30 minutes after the press briefing, the U.S. Embassy clarified by way of email that: “Individuals whose visas have been revoked under the Secretary’s announcement yesterday will be informed by the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy.”

The newspaper is unaware of which communication method will be used to relay this information.

During the briefing, U.S. Ambassador also would not give the category or categories that these individuals fall into. Lynch said that whether further action is needed will be determined by the highest level of the U.S. government.

The Ambassador denied that the move of the U.S. government has anything to do with targeting the Venezuelan Maduro government through Guyana. “We’re focused on Guyana. It has nothing to do with any other nation,” she said.

Lynch also denied that the timing of the sanctions has anything to do with the matter of an election declaration that is currently before the Court. Questioned whether the actions of the U.S. Government could be seen as premature considering that the matter is still before the Court, the Ambassador responded that the U.S. is not alone in its call and over 130 nations worldwide have called for an end to the election process.

The Ambassador said: “We do not feel that we’re getting ahead of anything here. As I’ve now said several times, the Secretary of State has spoken out for several weeks about the potential for serious consequences should Guyana or should individuals in Guyana continue to undermine the democratic process.”

On Wednesday, in announcing the visa restrictions, the U.S. Secretary of State called on President David Granger to “step aside”.

“Today I’m announcing visa restrictions on individuals responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Guyana. Immediate family members of such persons may also be subject to restrictions. The Granger government must respect the results of democratic elections and step aside,” Pompeo said.

In his extended statement, he said that he has been clear on previous occasions that the U.S. stands with the Guyanese people and that there would be consequences for individuals who seek to undermine democracy.

He said that the events following the March 2 elections indicate that there are “forces” that have repeatedly refused to accept the will of the people at the ballot box.

Pompeo said: “Guyana’s non-democratic trajectory is dangerous for its citizens and for the hemisphere as a whole. I hope that Guyana’s leaders understand what is at stake if they continue down this path. This action is not about interference. It is to send a clear message of the consequences of subverting democracy and the rule of law, which poses a danger to us and our hemispheric partners. We have long said that we have no preference for a winning party, as long as it is selected through a free and fair electoral process that is credible.”

However, the “electoral process” that the Secretary of State referenced has not yet been completed and its completion rests solely in the hands of the Elections Commission, not the President’s.

In other words, even if President David Granger were to “step aside”, the Guyana Elections Commission would still have to complete the electoral process in accordance with the Law and Constitution, before another President can be sworn in.

In response on Wednesday, the Executive arm of Government expressed that it was regretful of the decision taken by the U.S. State Department but nonetheless urged all locally and abroad to await the conclusion of the elections.

The Government said: “The matter affecting the outcome of Guyana’s elections is still before courts, which is entirely the responsibility of the judiciary. No declaration has been made. The Executive Branch has not participated in the undermining of the electoral process and urges all countries interested in Guyana’s development to await the logical conclusion of the process which is being managed by the Elections Commission, in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana.”

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