Dear Editor,

Though not wanting to go into the details of the AFC’s decision to rule out an electoral alliance with the PNC, Mr Corbin, its leader has seen it fit to take a jab by opining that such a decision is “shortsighted.” Moreover, he insinuates that it was not a decision which identifies with the desires of the people.

This is the same PNC leader who when the AFC was formed sarcastically announced that he is “underwhelmed by this new formation,” and literally laughed it off. There was no doubt that Mr Corbin was ad idem with Mr Donald Ramotar who at the time said it was a “wishy-washy” party.

I want to say that Corbin is entitled to his opinion. But I am entitled to mine in the same breath. His comment is both unfortunate and rude. But then this is not unexpected from a maximalist leader. If he only knew what the desires of his membership were – and those of the people at large in Guyana – about his leadership of the PNC, the words ‘shortsighted’ and ‘longsighted’ would not be applicable. I will not proceed to describe what I think, because it may not do well for the good relations we otherwise have.

I just wish to re-emphasise that the democratic process of the AFC’s National Executive, along with the very many arguments and considerations objectively and subjectively deliberated on, took into account the desires of the people.  Our executive members who supported this decision did not simply come there with their personal views and abandoned the representativeness they were to bring from the regions and constituents they represent.

There must be more respect for the product of such a process.

Why is this party which underwhelmed him some years ago now overwhelming him? It should be mentioned that an argument supportive of the decision was that an association with the PNC would only give Mr Corbin a shot in the arm, a potency dose, to rejuvenate him. “Why should we do that?” was the question asked of that member.

The AFC is a party which looks ahead and appreciates that all manner of comments and opinions will come its way, some to destroy it and others to help guide it along. We in the National Executive will be able to discern between the two. To denigrate us by saying that the AFC does not have the country’s interest at heart is total nonsense. This is what guides us – if not all, then a majority of us. We will not always get it right. But respect our democratic process. Please!

Yours faithfully,
Khemraj Ramjattan
Chairman
AFC