Dear Editor,
Recent letters by James Bond, Mark DaCosta and Terron Khemraj all consist of the theme that Mr David Granger is the best thing that has happened to the PNCR since its formation. If we are to believe them, he is better than Burnham, Hoyte and Corbin combined.
Where are these gentlemen really living? Are they oblivious to the PPP running roughshod over the people of Guyana? Are they unaware of the Minister of Finance’s blatant disregard for the Parliament in which the opposition holds the majority? How could they in good conscience pat themselves on the back when members, supporters and Guyanese at large are suffering under the PPP across the country? How could they proudly pound their chests as they sit impotently in Parliament as part of an opposition majority that has failed to effect any real change in the interest of the people? It takes special people who can ignore the plight of people all around them and declare their effort perfect. They all must be ‘Champions of the Earth.’
The strategy of this group to pull down the party that they lead or play prominent roles in is appalling. It started with Mr Granger’s declaration a few years ago that the Founder Leader is not the Father of the Nation. Mr Bond, on the other hand, implied that the PNCR historically lacked democracy and it needed David Granger to rescue it from its wicked ways. Messrs DaCosta and Khemraj continued the line of argument.
How dare they attempt to tarnish the Founder Leader and the party so that mediocrity can shine? Do thy expect us to accept that Burnham, Hoyte or Corbin (yes, Corbin) would have been part of a parliamentary majority and have nothing to show for it? Should we accept that BHC would have allowed the Minister of Finance to treat them with total disrespect and do absolutely nothing? Do they want PNCR stalwarts to accept that the present state of their party is the best in its history and at the same time concede that the glorious history they thought they were a part of never existed?
It is clear that Team Granger has no intention to work conscientiously to rebuild the PNCR. Their strategy is to convince all that no work is needed since this is the best it ever was. Apparently, they are prepared to stand atop the ruins of the PNCR proclaiming themselves the best. The sad thing is that the PPP is not playing their game. If this nonsense continues and the PPP is allowed to regain a parliamentary majority imagine what they would do. Just look at how they were allowed by Mr Granger to do as they please while being in the minority.
The coming congress is an opportunity for PNCR members to do soul searching. The stalwarts and activists must reflect on their years in the party and ask themselves the question, ‘If David Granger declared this the golden era of the PNCR, is he the man to lead the party into the future?’ They must recognize that they have been entrusted with the responsibility to preserve the machinery that is to confront the PPP and protect all the people of Guyana. In the similar vein that they chide young people who refuse to register and to vote they must reject all chicanery and do their duty at the Congress. This duty is to take decisions that preserve the party, that bolsters its chances of returning to office. You cannot reprimand young people for refusing to register to vote for your party if you refuse to to do your duty of ensuring the party is in the best shape to contest elections. Remember, ‘The Leader is the Leader’ was reserved for Burnham and Hoyte; take an honest look at the stewardship of David Granger and decide if this is the best you can do. While you are doing this remember that Mr Granger did not promise to make a better effort, instead has declared himself the best in 20 years.
Yours faithfully,
James McAllister
