Guyana has a new Chief Election Officer (CEO) following the removal of the former CEO, Keith Lowenfield.
Former Deputy CEO, Vishnu Persaud, was today sworn into office by Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire (acting) and the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan this morning. This signals his official start as the new CEO.
Mr Persaud is set to take on a role that is quite controversial; with criticism of it in the past being one of which that is biased to particular parties contesting the Regional and General Elections.
As such, Mr. Persaud just after the simple ceremony said that his reputation will supersede that cause to question his role as the new CEO.
“Most people in the public at large would have known me for carrying out my duties in adherence with the laws, the policies of the commission and basically carrying out my duties in a professional manner.
“In that regard, I guarantee that I’ll continue on that same path. Nobody has to have any worry about my neutrality, or that I may deviate from the path that is lawful and proper,” Mr. Persaud noted.
Mr. Persaud was appointed by the Chairman GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh just a few days ago following a majority vote of the commission.
The Chairman in the end cast the deciding vote over Jamaica-born, Leslie Harrow, who was also interviewed for the top GECOM post.
The Opposition Commissioners questioned the appointment of Mr. Persaud over Horrow when Mr. Harrow, according to them, out qualified Persaud.
The Opposition Commissioners pointed out that when it comes to qualifying in a managerial position the experience of Harrow far outweighed the qualification of Persaud.
Opposition Commissioners also questioned the integrity of Persaud since according to them he was handpicked by former chairman, Steve Surujbally.
However, in response to such, Mr. Persaud said that he believes that he remains the right man for the job when judging from his experience.
“I have accumulated in excess of ten years’ experience at the managerial level. I had planned to do a detailed release.”
As now the new CEO, he said that he does not know which area he will begin his work but as he gets a feeling of what is happening he will know where to start.
Mr Persaud said that Local Government Election will be one of the tasks as CEO he will push for to happen in the new year.
