At age 84, retired Justice James Patterson was sworn in as the new Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission. His swearing in came on the same day that he was contacted by the President and offered the job to head the election’s body.

Moments after being sworn in at an evening ceremony at State House, Justice Patterson brushed aside concerns about his age, making it clear that age does not matter, but “it’s whether you can do the work or not”.

He told reporters that he believes he can do the job and he is up for the task and that is the reason why he accepted the President’s offer.

Mr. Patterson who served in both Guyana and Grenada for several years referenced US Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Ginsburg, to brush aside concerns about his age. He reminded that she is one of the longest serving Judges on the US Supreme Court and is also 84-years-old.

When questioned about whether he will be able to cope with the demands of the job as GECOM Chairman, Justice Patterson said, he has been a student of the Bar “and that is more damaging intellectually and otherwise than politics”.

He said he intends to meet with the Elections Commission before deciding on immediate priorities. Justice Patterson said he will remain “apolitical” and has no plans to get involved in politics. He believes that local politicians should focus on uniting the nation.

When quizzed about why he thinks he may be the best person for the job, the retired Judge said his thoughts do not matter, but rather it would be the thoughts of those who selected him. “But I think I am best for the job”, he noted.

Patterson was sworn in to the new position just over two hours after the President told the Opposition Leader that he had rejected his third list of nominees and was moving to appoint a Chairman.

Mr. Jagdeo was reportedly caught off guard by the announcement and has now vowed to begin a period of non-cooperation with the Government.

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