With general and regional elections mere weeks away, the coalition A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) has taken its campaigning to Canada to urge members of the diaspora to help develop Guyana.
According to a release from APNU+AFC, presidential candidate David Granger and prime ministerial candidate Moses Nagamootoo spent two “successful” days, from April 18 to April 19, in Canada, where they met members of diaspora and spoke on their plans for the development of Guyana.
High on the agenda was the issue of brain drain and the recreation of Guyana to a country where its emigrants would want to return.
In his address at Riverstone Country Club, in Brampton, Ontario, Granger opined that brain drain had severe consequences on Guyana’s development. He accused the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) of being “bankrupt of ideas” and visions to move Guyana forward. Additionally, Nagamootoo said the coalition would create an environment in which the talents of Guyanese locally and in the diaspora would flourish. “On May 12, when the government is changed we will welcome you back to Guyana, so that you can assist us to develop our dear land of Guyana,” Nagamootoo told a gathering of businesspersons and young professionals.
However, both candidates emphasised, “for Guyana to progress and develop we need the assistance of the Diaspora; we cannot do it without you.”
Furthermore, Granger reiterated his commitment to establish a Department of the Diaspora to deal with issues directly relating to Guyanese living overseas.
Meanwhile, many of the men’s words were later restated during another event held in Canada. Addressing an audience of more than 500 at the Elite Banquet Hall in Rexdale, Ontario, Nagamootoo promised that APNU+ AFC would “make Guy-ana safe for your return.”
Granger added, “For the past 50 years we (Guyanese) have fought each other to a stand-still… It is time for us to come together as brothers and sisters; the lights have changed from red, to green and yellow; the war is over. It is time for a new Guyana.”
The coalition’s trip wrapped up with a press conference in Ontario, where the candidates were questioned on a number of issues including public security, mental health and the establishment of an Integrity Commis-sion.
The events were planned and coordinated by the APNU+AFC Toronto committee.
