CARICOM will not interfere in Guyana unless democratic, judicial processes break down – Secretary-General

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque Tuesday said the 15-member regional trade and integration bloc will not interfere in Guyana’s affairs unless the judicial and democratic processes break down.

He said he has been in touch with the President and Opposition Leader and has informed that CARICOM is prepared to assist if both parties ask for help.

“The CCJ (Caribbean Court of Justice) in my view was very, very clear that all the actors concerned – all the actors concerned – the Executive, the Opposition and GECOM, must play their part,” LaRoque told reporters on the sidelines of an event Tuesday.

The CCJ had on July 12 declared that by virtue of its June 18 ruling validating the passage of the December 21 No Confidence motion, the provisions of Article 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution were triggered, namely the resignation of the Cabinet and new elections in three months.

“As I understand it, there continues to be dialogue among the parties,” LaRoque stated.

“We continue to monitor everything very, very closely,” he added.

He said the chairman of CARICOM – the Prime Minister of St Lucia – has been briefed regularly on the issue.

“We remain available to assist if we are asked to assist but CARICOM does not interfere unless the democratic and the judicial process breaks down.

“We are very much engaged as far as I am concerned,” LaRoque stated.

“It does not mean we don’t care; it doesn’t mean we are not concerned.

“We are fully engaged.”