Dear Editor,
It is indeed true that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. The PNCR, on the basis of a resolution unanimously adopted at the last General Council, mandated the Central Committee of the party to identify the procedures and mechanisms to name its presidential candidate for the next elections. It is understood that at all times the leadership of the party, its senior officials and its key advisers and supporters would remain neutral in the process. This is common sense and the acknowledgement of a minimum moral standard. It is basic to any democratic institution.
Yet it is clear to all and sundry that elements within the PNCR, and indeed the leadership itself, appear to have come out in support of one particular presidential candidate even before the party has decided on the procedure and mechanism to be used. Indeed, the picture of the presidential candidate in question and that of the Leader of the PNCR have appeared on a PNCR sanctioned flyer with the caption ‘We stand with our Leader Corbin and President Granger.’ In addition, while the party places obstacles in the way of others who indicate an interest in being the PNCR’s presidential candidate, the party machinery and Corbin-linked officials are campaigning for the said presidential hopeful. It is important to note that the said presidential hopeful was first identified as “the dark horse candidate” by a Corbin loyalist, Mrs Bernita Primo who resides in the USA.
It would be the ultimate tragedy for the PNCR if the process utilized to choose its presidential candidate, like its internal elections, is regarded by the vast majority of Guyanese to be tainted. It will be the better part of wisdom if the party allows a free and transparent system and allows the best candidate to win.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
