Pro-PPPC Indian Arrival Committee welcomes, congratulates APNU+AFC-led government

Last Updated on Friday, 15 May 2015, 16:46 by GxMedia

The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC), which is closely aligned to the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC), welcomed and congratulated the new government to be led by Retired Brigadier David Granger.

“The IAC understands that there will be some exuberance in these celebrations; however it must not be to the discomfort and inconvenience of others. In this regard, while the IAC feels heartened by comments made by incoming President, Rt. Brig. David Granger, calling for his supporters to be respectful and celebrate within the ambits of the law, there is cause for concern in some quarters,” said the IAC in a statement.

This is the closest the PPPC has come so far to conceding defeat, even as the ruling party continues to believe that it was cheated out of office through intimidation and fake Statements of Poll with results it says were in favour of Granger’s coalition of A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).

The IAC pledged to support the new government. “The IAC stands ready to work with the new administration to continue its efforts to preserve, develop and strengthened the rich and diverse cultural traditions brought to these shores by Indian fore parents one hundred and seventy-seven years ago.”

The PPPC’s desire for a total recount of the more than 400,000 votes cast on May 11, 2015 appears to have hit a snag with the refusal of a number of Returning Officers to agree to a recount. APNU+ AFC executive members, emerged from a mid-morning meeting with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) telling reporters that the commission has advised that an official declaration could not be made until midday Saturday- the deadline by which all parties have to say whether they want a recount.

The IAC welcomed and congratulate the incoming government and hoped that Indo-Guyanese would not be discriminated against. “The IAC hopes that Indo-Guyanese would not in any way be made to feel unwelcome and alienated during the tenure of the new government. Like all Guyanese, Indian brothers and sisters have worked tirelessly to make a significant contribution to the development of Guyana,” says the organisation.

The IAC added that it expects that the new administration “would manage the affairs of our nation keeping in mind the welfare of all Guyanese. “This is the expectation of all and the call becomes even more pertinent given how close the results have turned out.”

The IAC urged the incoming APNU+AFC-led administration to ensure that security is the primary focus. “Over the past few days, after it appeared that a new government may emerge, many reports were received indicating that some Indo-Guyanese were intimidated and threatened,” the organisation says.