The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) yesterday welcomed the election of APNU+AFC candidate David Granger as the new president, while saying it expects that his administration would govern with the welfare of all Guyanese in its consideration.
“This is the expectation of all and the call becomes even more pertinent given how close the results have turned out,” the IAC, which has had a close association with the PPP, said in a press statement that was released yesterday.
According to preliminary results released by the Guyana Elections Commission (Gecom), the opposition alliance won the polls with 206,817 votes to the incumbent PPP/C’s 201,457 votes, representing a difference of just over 5,000 votes.
The IAC noted that since its establishment it has worked to foster and develop the Indian culture and the wellbeing of Guyanese of Indian ancestry. It further noted that during this time security was found to be among the major concerns for Indo-Guyanese. “This concern was raised on various occasions over the years, and given that a new administration is on the verge of taking office, the IAC wishes to reiterate its call for security to be the primary focus,” it said, while noting that after it appeared that a new government may emerge, many reports were received indicating that some Indo-Guyanese were intimidated and threatened.
The IAC said it understood that there will be some exuberance in the celebrations but added that it must not be to the discomfort and inconvenience of others.
Against this background, the IAC said it was heartened by comments made by Granger, who called on his supporters to be respectful and celebrate within the ambits of the law.
At the same time, it said there is cause for concern in some quarters. The IAC said it 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,” it added, while noting that it stands ready to work with the new administration to continue its efforts to preserve, develop and strengthen the rich and diverse cultural traditions brought to these shores by Indian foreparents 177 years ago.
The APNU+AFC campaign, led by Granger and running mate Moses Nagamootoo, had emphasised the need for racial unity during its campaign.
