By Kurt Campbell
[www.inewsguyana.com] – The governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP), has expressed concern; opposing the appointment of Richard François as the Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
According to the PPP, François is openly sympathetic and supports the political opposition. However, when quizzed, General Secretary Clement Rohee refused to say which Opposition party the Former Ministry of Education employee is aligned to.
He said for his Party to make such an allegation then its information must be solid; reiterating sentiments expressed in a prepared statement.
“The PPP is a responsible Party and we are not in the habit of just throwing things out there for mischief making. For us to make such a statement it must have been given very serious consideration.”
Rohee said that the PPP respects the right and freedom of employment but believes that “what is known of François’ background and political allegiance” could affect his professional and unbiased discharge of his duties.
![General Secretary of the PPP/C, Clement Rohee. [iNews' Photo]](https://i0.wp.com/www.inewsguyana.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Rohee.jpg)
His Party calls on GECOM to now explain the appointment “in the interest of ensuring fairness and professionalism.”
PPP says its concern is premised on incidents in the past which resulted in the lack of professionalism during 2011 elections where PPP candidates were prevented from executing their duties.
He recalled comments by GECOM Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Kieth Lowenfield where he had made it clear that the Commission only hire professionals and no one who is politically affiliated; saying that the appointment must be reexamined.
In 2010, François completed his Master of Arts (Honours) Degree from Middlesex University, London in the field of Marketing Communications. He attended the Dubai campus of the university.
Richard graduated from the University of Guyana in 2005 with a Degree in Communications.
He is the former Public Relations Officer (ag) of Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) who pioneered the Company’s first major and successful energy conservation campaign entitled ‘Switch it Off, Plug it Out!
how many bunhams yuh know?
feeling very sad 4u you r a true a pathetic clown
I know of a François family from Linden, but not sure if this guy is a Lindener. However, I do not see what the PPPs fuss is over his political affiliation if he worked with Priya Manickchand, NCN and GPL – all linked to the PPP. Rohee and the PPP have solid reasons to be afraid of even their own shadows.
GECOM must upheld very high standards.
A PNC stooge cannot be expected to be neutral.
name some PPP in GECOM then name PNC.
stop with your pathetic “victim” narrative
Has Rohee finally lost his mind among other things? He actually is saying that only PPP supporters/loyalists can be employed in this position!
This position was never previously identified as being a political position and as such has got to be civil service! The civil service in any country is open to any/all qualified applicants.
PNC will not rest until it get all its people in GECOM:::PNC know they have the judiciary locked in their pocket through Nigel Hughes and Basil Williams…If new elections were to be held and the PPP lost because of skullduggery at GECOM, PNC know the court wont entertain PPP period..Is like the big media mogul Glen Lall and the GRA Boss..Glen Lall showing him and PPP who is boss…The court is stacked against PPP at present..