In the wake of a furore over the presence of a Brazilian governor at a PPP/C meeting in Lethem on Sunday, Brazil this afternoon issued a statement reiterating its position of non-intervention and neutrality as it relates to the upcoming elections.
The presence of José de Anchieta Junior, Governor of the neighbouring state of Roraima at the Lethem rally has riled opposition parties and members of the public who saw it as interference in the domestic affairs of the country and a ploy by the ruling party to gather support in the Rupununi.
The statement issued by the Brazilian Embassy in Georgetown said:
“The Embassy of Brazil wishes to clarify the circumstances of the visit of His Excellency the Governor of the State of Roraima, José de Anchieta Junior, to Lethem on Sunday, 6th November, 2011.
“When the Governor learned about President Jagdeo’s visit to Lethem he took the opportunity to visit him in order to discuss subjects related to the border as well as the integration between Roraima and Guyana.
“Governor Anchieta also had the chance to meet Donald Ramotar at a courtesy meeting. The Governor took the initiative to salute the community attending the meeting, residents of both Lethem and Bonfim.
“The Embassy of Brazil also reiterates the well known and traditional position of the Brazilian Government in favour of the principles of non-intervention and self-determination. Therefore, the Brazilian Government understands that Guyana -as well as any country- is entitled to choose their representatives in an independent, free and transparent way. Following this principle, the presence of a Brazilian authority to salute the communities at the above-mentioned meeting should not be construed as a support for any of the political parties contesting the forthcoming elections.
“The Brazilian Government expresses, therefore, its total neutrality and impartiality in the development of the electoral process in Guyana and expresses its best wishes and confidence in a successful outcome, as by all expected.”
While the statement said that the governor was only saluting the communities he did go on to praise President Jagdeo and laud his achievements.
Both the APNU and the AFC had condemned the presence of the governor at the meeting and the AFC this morning staged a protest outside of the Brazilian embassy over it.
Diplomatic observers say both the government and the governor should have been acutely aware that it was improper for de Anchieta Junior and his delegation to be present at a party meeting.
The Government Information Agency reporting on the meeting said “The event was graced by Governor of the State of Roraima, José de Anchieta Junior, with whom the President met to discuss several projects that will benefit the citizens of both Guyana and Brazil.
“The Governor lauded the leadership of President Jagdeo who will be demitting Office shortly, and said that Guyana has made tremendous progress in bettering the lives of its people. He also expressed the hope for the friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries would continue under the new administration.”
