The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community are deeply disturbed by events taking place in the Republic of Guyana, following the March 19, 2001 General Elections.
Reports indicate a deteriorating social and political situation characterised by outbreaks of violence, damage to property and loss of life.
The situation in Guyana engaged the attention of the 13th Meeting of the Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community held at Sherbourne Conference Centre, Barbados on March 10, 2001 at which it was decided that the Community should express its support for the newly re-elected Government as it seeks to carry out the mandate entrusted to it by the electorate.
The CARICOM Electoral Observer Mission to Guyana led by the Honourable R. Carl Rattray, O.J, QC, former President of the Court of Appeal of Jamaica, has advised that a genuine effort was made by the Guyana Elections Commission to hold elections which were free, fair and transparent. The report of the Electoral Observer Mission noted that the poll was orderly and in compliance with established procedures, and was conducted in an atmosphere free of intimidation or fear.
CARICOM Heads of Government fully endorse the report of the CARICOM Electoral Observer Mission. We therefore wish to state that we recognise the legitimacy of the present Government of Guyana.
The Heads call on all parties to abide by the results of the polls and to urgently commit themselves to a process of genuine dialogue with a view to resolving any differences.
We do not believe that wanton violence, the destruction of property and the endangering of life can serve to create an environment which can foster economic development and the political and social stability necessary for the Guyanese people to achieve their full potential.
The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community therefore calls for a return to normalcy in Guyana.
The Caribbean Community stands ready to assist Guyana in its efforts to overcome the present difficulties.
