-pledges to work in best interest of the Commission, country
JAYA Devi Manickchand, an Attorney-at-Law, took the oath of office of a Commissioner of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), in the presence of Head of State, Donald Ramotar, Government Officials, Chairman of GECOM, Dr Steve Surujbally, Commissioner Vincent Alexander, Chief Elections Officer, Goocool Boodhoo and relatives and friends, in the Credentials room of Office of the President.
The simple ceremony was considered significant as the spotlight continues to be placed on women in decision making. Manickchand will replace former Commissioner, Moen Mc Doom who resigned last February.
President Ramotar, in congratulating the new Commissioner, said that her appointment will serve as an effective tool to add efficiency and give another perspective to the Commission.
“I am also looking forward for the Opposition to make recommendations very soon, so that we can fill the other vacancy that is there as a result of the passing of Robert Williams, another person who has given long, dedicated and distinguished service to the commission,” he said.
The President expressed his anticipation that this will be done shortly, in order that the Commission can continue its work in an efficient way.
GECOM’s Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, in an invited comment, said that he expects the new Commissioner to function independently, and to not be part of the “political fray”.
“We are welcoming her to our team. She has taken the oath and I hope she abides by that oath, and that her activities and statements will be above the political melee,” he said.
Meanwhile, Human Services Minister, Jennifer Webster, stated that the appointment of the GECOM Commissioner is a well deserved one, as it depicts the Administration’s commitment to empowering women in decision making.
“I know that she is quite capable and competent and will exercise her duties in a very fair and just manner, whilst representing the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. Ms. Manickchand, as a lawyer, has a well rounded background and will bring to bear a different perspective as a woman, dealing with electoral issues,” the Human Services Minister stated.
Manickchand who is married to Omkar Lochand, a project manager, completed her Bachelor of Law degree at the University of Guyana in 2004 while she also received a Legal Education Certificate at Hugh Wooding Law School in 2006, in Trinidad and Tobago.
She promised to work assiduously with the other Members of the Commission with the aim of ensuring that the work of the Commission continues and in the effort to serve Guyana.
The past president of the Leo club of Bel Air, Georgetown also works part-time at Children’s Legal Aid and volunteers her services at the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic; and the National Aids Programme Secretariat.
Manickchand is also Chairperson of the Rice Assessment Committee of Region 5.