Steady voter turnout in Berbice as residents cast ballots at convenience

Residents across Region Six turned out to the polls today to cast their ballots in the General and Regional Elections. From early morning, lines were seen at polling stations, but as the day progressed, the process flowed steadily with residents arriving at their convenience to exercise their democratic right.
At the New Amsterdam Primary School, resident Sheldon Grant said he made it a priority to vote before heading to work.
“It ain’t bad, it’s reasonable, it’s reasonable, you know what I mean? Everything running smooth and nice and thing, and we’re looking forward to a good thing,” he explained.
Mayor of New Amsterdam, Mr. Wainwright McIntosh, shared that while the process was smooth for him, there were challenges earlier in the day when party agents were initially barred from polling stations because their documents did not carry GECOM stamps.
“Our agents, they were refused entry into the polling stations… Coupled with that, what made me even more disappointed, they went ahead and start the process without our agents being present. Nevertheless, when this was brought to our attention, we reached out to the necessary personnels and the matter was rectified,” he said, while calling for fairness, transparency, and respect for the democratic process.
Over at the Tutorial Academy Secondary School, Herattie Taylor of Stanleytown described her experience as peaceful.
“After seven, like close to eight, I go in front, check that my name is on the list… I was given instruction with door to go out and I waited like a half an hour. And yes, I got through… Peaceful, peaceful, peaceful environment. Everything be peaceful then and whatever comes out, let everybody accept whatever comes out,” she told reporters, adding that she hopes the next government prioritises citizens’ struggles.
One of the youngest candidates on the ballot, Nicholas Sagadaya of the People’s Progressive Party, was also satisfied with the process.
“The process generally was seamless. I came here around 8:45 in the morning and it was very quick. No hiccups whatsoever,” he said. He also urged peace after the results are declared: “We need to act like civilised people.”
Meanwhile, Region Six Chairman, David Armogan, said the day had been smooth across the region.
“Actually, I came here a few minutes ago and I’ve completed voting already because the polling station didn’t have anybody else here. So the process was very fast and very smooth… The reports we’re having right across the region too is that voting is going on smoothly right across the region,” Armogan explained, encouraging residents to vote early and return home to await results.
As polls continued throughout the day, Region Six residents embraced the opportunity to cast their ballots in a largely peaceful and orderly manner.