Alert

WASHINGTON,  (Reuters) – The U.S. government today indicted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and more than a dozen other top Venezuelan officials on charges of “narco-terrorism,” the latest escalation of the Trump administration’s pressure campaign aimed at ousting the socialist leader.

The Guyana Elections Commission today said it has taken note of calls in the public domain by political parties and other stakeholders for the agency to take certain decisions aimed at ensuring the electoral process ends within the shortest possible time.

The Guyana Revenue Authority today announced a series of measures aimed at easing the impact of the coronavirus including the waiver of VAT and duties on medical supplies associated with the testing and prevention of disease and suspension of a number of transactions until April 30th, 2020.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab today issued London’s strongest warning yet about the severe consequences for any government illegally sworn in here as a result of the disputed March 2nd General Elections and those involved.

In light of the coronavirus threat, the Supreme Court of Judicature today said that with effect from yesterday and subject to the decision of the hearing judge, all pending matters in the High Court in all three Counties are adjourned for at least one month to a date on or after 20th April, 2020.

Pioneering businessman Yesu Persaud has called on President David Granger  to take steps to ensure the preservation of democracy in Guyana.

   COVID-19 UPDATE – For immediate release Considering the current situation, the Ministry of Education wishes to advise that schools will be closed for an additional week (March 30, 2020 – April 03, 2020).

AFC executive and former Business Minister Dominic Gaskin today said he doesn’t “buy” the controversial Region Four figures which were declared by Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo and which are now the subject of a raging elections crisis.

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) today said that in the drive against the Covid-19 pandemic, all seaports in Guyana will be closed from tomorrow to international vessels with the exception of merchant ships.

Roman Catholic bishops of the Caribbean today urged those responsible for the verification process of the March 2nd general elections to bring it to an early completion.

The Police say they are investigating the murder of: 1) Imogene Gordon, 49, of Lot 117 Prosville Housing Scheme, Wismar, Linden and 2) Royston John, 43, a carpenter of Prosville Housing Scheme, Wismar, Linden and Kildonan Village, Corentyne, Berbice respectively.

The Commonwealth Observer Group to the March 2nd general elections today said that two purported tabulations of the Region Four vote by Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo were not credible or transparent.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) today called on Police Commissioner Leslie James to conduct himself professionally.

Major General (Ret’d) Joe Singh today called on President David Granger to call off the “Dogs of War” and to enable GECOM to complete an orderly recount of the ballots cast at the March 2nd general elections.

CARICOM today expressed regret at the forced withdrawal of a mission to recount votes at the March 2nd general elections and it said that it is clear that there are forces here who do not want the votes recounted for whatever reason.

President David Granger tonight said that he was “deeply disappointed” that a vote recount initiative by CARICOM has been stalled by court action.

The CARICOM high-level team that was due to oversee a recount of votes cast at the March 2 elections has decided to call it quits and will today depart Guyana as a court order today blocked the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from proceeding although both President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo agreed to the process, sources this afternoon confirmed.

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo today warned that there will be serious consequences for persons here engaged in electoral fraud and seeking to establish an illegitimate government.

Director General (DG) of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Egbert Field today said that major ports of entry will be closed from midnight tomorrow for 14 days to combat the coronavirus menace.

The Guyana Elections Commission today said it is in receipt of a copy of the Aide Memoire signed by President David Granger and the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo and witnessed by the Caricom Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque.