Guyana was one of 25 countries which yesterday voted for a resolution at the Organization of American States (OAS) to suspend Russia as a permanent observer to the inter-governmental institution over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
While the vote is seen as largely symbolic it underlines the breadth of global revulsion and action over Russia’s bloody and punishing invasion of Ukraine.
Guyana’s yes vote was cast by its Ambassador to the US and the OAS, Sam Hinds.
Earlier this month the Guyana Government was criticised for abstaining on a resolution at the United Nations for the suspension of Russia from the Human Rights Council.
President Irfaan Ali had defended the abstention by saying the country awaits findings of the United Nations investigations.
“We are very strong against this war. We are very strong against the invasion of Ukraine. We stand solidly with the rest of the world in condemning the war and in asking Russia to go back to diplomacy and in having this war brought to an end. That is without a doubt,” Ali said.
“This matter was discussed among [CARICOM] Heads. There is an ongoing process. There are two things that are happening- the UN has launched a process of doing the investigation to come up with the factual basis on what is happening in terms of human rights violations and what we have said once the report comes out, then the findings of that report must be respected and supported,” he explained
Yesterday, there seemed to be no hesitation and Guyana voted in favour of the resolution. CARICOM was again divided on this vote. While Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago voted yes, St Kitts-Nevis and St Vincent and the Grenadines abstained.
The voting record follows:
In favour (25): Antigua and Barbuda; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Canada; Chile; Colombia; Costa Rica; Dominica; Ecuador; The United States; Grenada; Guatemala; Guyana; Haiti; Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic; St. Lucia; Suriname; Trinidad & Tobago; Uruguay, Venezuela.
Against (0)
Abstentions (8): Argentina; Bolivia; Brazil; El Salvador; Honduras; Mexico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Absent (1): Nicaragua
