A Peaceful elections that Ambassador Jones would have been proud of

May 01, 2015 Letters

Dear Editor,
I write to extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Ambassador George Jones who played a seminal role in the restoration of democracy in Guyana. He was Ambassador in Guyana at a time when there was a transition to democracy and when it was not certain Guyana would become a democracy.
Jones was one of those extraordinary people who will never be forgotten for his role in helping to institutionalize democracy. He will be remembered as a man whose life was devoted to the service of democracy in Guyana.
The Ambassador and former President Carter were holed up at the election Office when violence was unleashed to derail the voting and or the counting. Without his and Carter’s involvement, free and fair elections and the counting of ballots at the places of polling would not have been possible.
I met the gentleman several times while in Guyana during the struggle for free and fair election and after. And I met him at the state funeral of President Cheddi. Jones was a joy to have an exchange with. I was also fortunate to attend a reception he hosted at his home. And I remember also his presence at the launching of the (now defunct) Caribbean Indian American (CIA) News (a weekly) of Ram Jodha at an office on Robb Street where Moses Nagamootoo and Jodha spoke about the role of the media. Jones was a simple, kind and compassionate person.
Jones had a remarkable passion for democratic governance. He felt people should be free to choose their government. And he condemned the period of violence after people cast their ballots. He felt people should vote in an environment free of fear and that violence should not be used to intimidate voters or decide the results of elections. He condemned stuffing of ballot boxes to change the outcome of an election.
Ambassador Jones passing is a terrible loss and sadly it comes at a time when Guyana is heading for the polls. It is unfortunate that he won’t be around to learn about the outcome of the election.
As Guyana heads to the polls, I urge the parties to reflect on the great work of this statesman and build upon the democracy he helped establish. Please don’t engage in acts that would have made Jones feel ashamed of you. Let there be a peaceful vote and acceptance of the results. Let there be stability and prosperity for all Guyanese regardless of party affiliation.
Vishnu Bisram

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