Dear Editor,
On Friday January 21 Demerara Waves carried an online news item captioned, ‘PNCR presidential candidate would head candidates’ list; merging top positions on the cards.’ The item related to one of the PNCR’s presidential candidates’ town-hall meetings held on Friday, Jan 21 at St George’s Secondary School. According to the report, the candidates stated the following:
1. The presidential candidate will be the opposition leader if the party loses the 2011 elections.
2. The party is expected to make arrangements at its next biennial congress due before year-end for the opposition leader and party leader to be the same office-holder.
3. Mr Corbin has given a commitment that he would not be running for the position of party leader again.
4. A presidential candidate would have the opportunity to become the leader of the party.
Let me start by congratulating the candidates for first accepting the nomination to contest for the PNCR presidential candidacy. At this juncture of our nation’s history Guyana needs a leader who has the ability, talent and skill to attract the best and brightest of us to rescue this nation from the abyss in which the PPP/C has plunged us. Guyanese look forward to the PNCR rescuing them and the candidates’ leadership here will be critical. The fact that Guyanese everywhere are turning out in their numbers to these meetings must say a lot to all of us. People are crying out for real change and our children need hope and a vision to hold on to; the PNCR has the opportunity to provide same.
I will now return to the issues identified above. Firstly, as a Central Executive member of the PNCR I am not aware that any of the positions stated were discussed and decided upon by that body. I am also not aware that at the last General Council meeting, which I attended, any of the positions stated above was decided on. On point number three, where it was stated that Mr Corbin would have given a commitment that he would not be running for the position of party leader again, I believe that there was a misinterpretation of Mr Corbin’s statement that he would not be party leader for life. Quite often, this comment has been taken out of context, whether inadvertently or not, by many who fail to appreciate the words in their literal sense. Political opponents and some critics of Mr Corbin have consistently used this line in their own skewed context to injure his reputation. Unless definitive evidence is advanced to demonstrate that the view expressed at the town-hall meeting was not based on the usual statement by Mr Corbin, I will hold firm to my position.
On the last point it is fair to say that the presidential candidate like any other party member can compete for the office of party leader; there is nothing barring him or her from doing so. However, there is no party policy, written or implied, espousing the position that the next party leader should be the presidential candidate. It is also not accurate to say that becoming the party leader would impinge on that person being made a presidential candidate. If this was the case then we would have put a dent in democracy in our party.
None of the positions identified above, except for number 3, can come to fruition unless they are sanctioned by the party members who have the power to make these changes. Any attempt to create an impression that these critical decisions were made without their involvement is likely to invite confusion. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all of us to be mindful of comments which we might feel compelled to make because we think it ‘politically correct’ or expedient to do so. Let us be respectful and appreciative of the public’s comments and sentiments without sacrificing the aims, objects and principles enshrined in the party’s constitution. Let us be wise and use the guidance, support and suggestions of the public to skilfully and tactfully institute meaningful changes in our party. Let us not fall prey to the agenda and programme of some, by merely playing to their tune. History has told us that very often many of these persons might not have the best interests ofthe PNCR at heart. I recall an individual saying recently, “We aren’t hearing too much infighting in the PNC, what’s wrong?” I guess we provide circus, fun and gaff for some. I therefore wish to caution all of us to be responsible as we have no time to provide a circus, and neither can we afford to create unnecessary confusion and rancour among the membership. Guyana awaits real change, Guyana awaits a PNCR government; we can only achieve this if we keep the focus and march together under the same banner, united and strong.
I wish each candidate the best of health and God’s richest blessings. When all is done let us each be reminded that we all are leaders, although only one can emerge from the process.
Yours faithfully,
Lurlene Nestor
