The main opposition PNCR yesterday said it had no political engagements with the AFC and has dismissed reports of recent meetings as false.
David Granger, the party’s presidential candidate said a report by the state-controlled National Communication Network (NCN) radio, which linked him to Alliance for Change (AFC) presidential candidate Khemraj Ramjattan, was false. “I’ve never participated in political negotiations or discussions with Mr Ramjattan in my life,” he said, while noting that his party is committed to talks with the Joint Opposition Political Parties (JOPP).
Granger said NCN probably means “No Corroboration Needed,” noting that journalists are required to corroborate such reports. He said that the PNCR, as far as he is aware, is not in talks with the AFC because it is not a member of JOPP as currently constituted. “The door is open, but he is not a member,” Granger said of Ramjattan and the rumoured engagements. He noted that the AFC has taken a position on the current JOPP talks, adding he has not been present in a room with the AFC leader for several months now.
The AFC, in a statement yesterday, also denied the report of a meeting. “The AFC wishes to make it pellucidly clear that no such meeting has occurred,” it said. It added that in view of the report, it would be proceeding with a robust campaign to change Guyana. “The central tenets of the AFC’s programme for Guyana involve constitutional reforms, economic revival and creating a safe and secure society,” it added.
Meanwhile, commenting on the recent JOPP meeting on Wednesday night last, Granger said it was dedicated to a presentation from the People’s Partnership led by Peter Ramsaroop. In addition, he offered clarity on his position on the broad coalition as earlier stated, saying he is committed to seeing the process to its logical conclusion.
Granger stressed that he does not have a private agenda, while adding nothing he has said is contrary to the party’s position. The JOPP, he said, will continue to meet so as to move forward with consensus.
Corbin, also speaking on the issue, disclosed that provisions have been made for all of the PNCR presidential nominees, who were in the running with Granger, to participate in the JOPP conversations.
