Latest update January 30th, 2025 6:10 AM
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Few hiccups at East Bank Demerara polling stations
East Bank Demerara residents turned out in their numbers to exercise their democratic right
Differently able at Peter's Hall Primary School
at several polling stations including the Diamond Secondary and Primary Schools, Herstelling Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Providence Primary School, Covent Garden Secondary School, Peter’s Hall Primary School, Eccles Primary School, and Houston Secondary School, among others.
Operations commenced at 6:00 am, with hundreds of voters coming out as early as 05:30hrs. Guyanese hospitality was evident, as those in the lines cordially exchanged pleasantries, as they waited to cast their ballots.
Pregnant women as well as those with infants and toddlers, the elders and the differently able persons were given preferential treatment, with no objection from the other voters.
Residents of the Diamond Housing Scheme, one of Guyana’s largest housing establishments, flocked the Diamond Secondary School. Approximately 3,700 persons were registered to vote at that location.
Though the line to enter the school compound moved quickly, the internal lines leading to the polling stations were slothful.
There were 12 polling stations with voters casting their ballots in alphabetical order. Some electors were displeased with this process as they saw it as time consuming and irrelevant. They stated that previously it was not required and voting was a ‘breeze’.
However, according to the Deputy Returning Officer, Nicole Nero, the area has many voters; as such casting ballots by alphabetical order makes it easier for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) staff.
Meanwhile, about 804 residents within the vicinity of the Diamond Public Road were registered to cast their ballots at the Diamond Primary School. At that location there were two polling stations. Those entering the compound were assisted by an Elections Clerk to ensure their names were on the list.
The Covent Garden Primary and Secondary Schools and Prospect Nursery School housed nine, three and two polling stations respectively. Electors of Covent Garden and Prospect cast their ballots there.
According to a voter, some residents did not understand the voters’ list which was in alphabetical order. They raised concerns that their names were not on the list, but with assistance from the Elections Clerk the issue was resolved immediately.
Meanwhile, persons representing a political party at the Peter’s Hall Primary School revealed that without their interventions some voters would have been disenfranchised. They said that some names were not on the voters’ list at the school. However, they were referred to the Providence Primary School.
Voters at Diamond Secondary School
The need for polling stations to have adequate infrastructure for differently able persons to vote with ease was highlighted. Some differently able persons exercised their right but with much difficulty.
They did not complain though since public spirited individuals and family members assisted them.
A voter, Shawn King, who arrived in a wheelchair, was hoisted up the stairs by one of his relatives while a man carried the wheelchair.
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