Three judges are hearing the appeal to stop the recount of the ballots. Dawn Gregory Barnes who is the chair, and Brassington Reynolds and Rishi Persaud. Dawn Gregory Barnes, along with Yonette Cummings ruled that 33 is not a majority of 65 in the no confidence motion case. Justice Rishi Persaud wisely ruled that 33 is greater than 32 and is the majority of 65. The CCJ, siding with Justice Rishi, overturned Dawn and Yonette.
Yonette Cummings opted not to sit in the current appeals matter; why did she bail out? Apparently, she does not wish to bring further embarrassment to herself to carry out instructions. Justices Yonette Cummings and Dawn Gregory have been subjects of ridicule in Guyana, around the Caribbean and the globe in that infamous ruling. Justice Dawn has been put on the Gecom appeal matter to face the pressure from her masters on how to rule. Justice Dawn has an opportunity to redeem her reputation in this case. She must not let the ghost of the no confidence ruling continue to haunt her. Do justice – rule according to the law! The world is watching. The court has no jurisdiction to stop Gecom from carrying out a recount. The constitution is clear in language on that matter. Were she to rule otherwise, she would once again be a laughing stock.
Justice Rishi Persaud is well regarded for his integrity and will not sell his soul even if threatened or pressured with incentives.Justice Brassington Reynolds also developed a reputation for fairness and is held in high regards. He imposed stiff penalties on men who abused their wives or failed to pay child support. He is seen as a decent man. The public is looking forward for a continuation of his decency and not to fall into a trap of 32 is greater than 33 that doomed the integrity of two colleagues. It is hoped that his domestic affair with Minister Nicolette Henry (that produced a child) would not compromise his judgment? It is also hoped that transportation contracts with government for his business would not compromise his ruling. He should bring the same reputation of fairness in other cases and allow the ballots to be properly counted so that the real winner can be declared. This case is crucial for the reputation of the court and for Guyana.
The court must end further hearing on this matter. Instruct Gecom to carry out the count and declared the real winner!Justice Dawn has an opportunity to shore up their credibility and regain he trust of the population and the Caribbean community and the world. In the age of whats app rumours, all the judges must be completely truthful and transparent to themselves to inspire the citizenry. They must not play politics or curry favor with politicians. Judges must not favor rulers. They must do what is expected of them to follow the words of the constitution and rule fairly.