Dear Editor,
Your editorial, ‘Living in the past’ is most appropriate; the caricature of Mr. Corbin speaks volumes. I am of the opinion, that come 2011, when the votes are counted and the dirt has settled, the PNC(R), will once more find itself warming the opposition benches in Parliament.
The PNCR is a dinosaur, struck in the past – buried. The re-entry of Mr Hamilton Green and his election to the Central Executive of the party is indicative of its new status. The party should now begin the task of selecting a plot in Le Repentir; it (the cemetery), may now be properly maintained.
The belief pushed by the media, the man in the street and some organisations, that the PPP/C will always emerge victorious at national elections because of their ethnic majority, has somehow or other confused the PNCR. It is my belief that the PNCR never really attempted, with precision and vigour to capture the Indian vote. Their energy was wasted on other means.
The perception and belief by PNCR supporters and members that an African PNCR party has the right to occupy the seat of government and rule Guyana, has in some way sullied the image of the party.
The militant approach to the PPP/C by the PNCR is a legacy of the past, a part of their armoury which to them, has brought them success on numerous occasions. A national and intellectual approach to the PPP/C by the PNCR is not part of their forte and in their opinion, must be avoided at all costs.
What therefore are the options for the PNCR? Press for power-sharing? Shed the cloak of African-ness? Convince the PPP/C supporters that the PNCR can do a better job in government? Seek rapprochement? Continue the militant approach?
The choice is the PNCR’s; time is against them.
Finally the PPP/C will need to listen to some of the PNCR’s concerns; failing to do so will see the continuance of under-development, and the risk of ethnic strife.
Yours faithfully,
C.S Vaughn MSM
Major (Rtd)
