A conflict of interest

May 12, 2020 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

Why is U.S Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D) stating the US has no business intervening in Guyana’s current political crisis and election recounts? The basis for his argument relies on the presumption and widely held belief that the US’s own political and election systems are corrupted. Hence, they (the US) should get their own “affairs” fixed before intervening in the matters of other nations.
While Congressman Jeffries make some valid arguments, he seems to either forget or ignore a few things:
It was this same Congressman who requested back in 2015 that the conduct of Guyana’s President (PPP Administration) be carefully examined. His request was submitted to then Secretary of State, John Kerry. It is blatantly disgusting that another highly respected political figure that represents democracy would publicly contradict himself as evidenced by his own past actions.
Congressman Jeffries has illustrated his political bias and contradictions in a few additional ways. In his statements issued, he attacks Trump’s administration for being involved in Guyana’s affairs but fails to condone the actions of Guyana’s government. The same government accused by several other nations and international observers of electoral fraud and of using the Guyana Police Force as a tool of intimidation to strip concerned disagreeing figures and citizens of their “civilian rights.”
The same congressman attended the “victory” rally for the current administration’s win in 2015 as a special guest. The same administration (APNU+AFC) accused of electoral fraud. Clearly, he had no problem being involved in Guyana’s political affairs.
In support of his premises, Congressman Jeffries goes on to accuse the US of defining how Guyana conduct it’s elections. The US never directed how to conduct a recount but rather called for a recount. The method of recount and policies thereof were agreed upon by all political parties and the Guyana Election Commission.
Political figures are elected to pursue democracy, justice and due process of law. It’s frustrating that Congressman Jeffries chooses to deviate from this basic principle through his public bias. It would seem that by accusing the US government of electoral/political corruption and by using same as means to exclude them from being involved in foreign matters, he would draw attention from his own bias and incite support for APNU/AFC.
While the United States does not have a “perfect” political system nor government, one cannot contest that had it not been for pressures from the international community including foreign dignitaries and observers, it is highly likely the current government would have continue its reign based on flawed electoral results. Moreover, the US consistently and without delay, has always been a leader in providing funding to Guyana. In support of this contention, I draw attention to the Covid-19 funding supplied to target the current pandemic in Guyana.
To argue that one government should refrain from executing neutrality and fairness in a country based on that government’s own history is not only a grossly defective argument but its also dangerous to democracy and international relationships. Not to mention, a value that contradicts the principles upon which this Congressman was elected on.
Congressman Jeffries is a disappointment to the international justice system. His actions have contradicted his statements while predicated on the belief that his hidden agenda will not be called in question if he diverts attention on the current political climate in the US. This Congressman who had no problem being involved in Guyana’s affairs. Credibility and impartiality wise Congressman, you’re damaged and based on your past, you seem to have created a conflict of interest for your own self.

Sayyad Adam

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