Dear Editor,
According to Gordon Moseley’s News Source (June 7) Sharma Solomon will not be retained as Regional Chairman, Region 10. Solomon, without a doubt has been the most progressive chairman this country has seen in the last government, in the last decade.
What the coalition is doing here points to disregard for rewarding those who are most deserving and for the will of the people. Without question Sharma Solomon has delivered for the people of Region 10, has delivered for this nation and is well loved by the people. He has been an effective and respected regional chairman throughout his tenure. This young man has demonstrated leadership potential in struggles against a dictatorial, corrupt and spiteful government. He protected the Region and people from the PPP onslaught.
His diligence has made Region 10 the strongest regional force in the coalition. In 2011 as campaign manager he recaptured the seat lost by the PNC in 2006 and increased the party’s showing at the polls. Again in 2015 as campaign manager he delivered 85 per cent of the valid votes cast, and of the increased vote cast, he delivered 98.8 per cent which is 4109. His was the only Region where the PPP lost votes and the APNU+AFC had the greatest showing in terms of percentage increase.
A micro-analysis of the votes for the last two elections shows that in 2015 Region Four the coalition obtained 113,856 and 16,791 in Region Ten. In 2011 the AFC and APNU combined obtained 95,463 in Region Four and 12,682 in Region Ten. This shows an increase of 19 per cent for Region Four and 32 per cent for Region Ten.
Under Solomon’s leadership Region 10 was mobilised and energised. Many remember the 2012 struggles that he led for weeks against the PPP on the electricity issue. From that he was able to extract from the Donald Ramotar administration an agreement that included halting the electricity hike and critical review of the electricity sector with involvement of the people, the return of the television station taken away by the PPP, an economic plan for the Region’s development and the return of the Land Selection Committee under regional control.
It was this young man who stood alongside his constituents and gave leadership against the mistreatment of Amerindians in Hururu, the destruction of the roads by ruthless foreign investors, and who exposed the negative impact on the economic wellbeing of the people in the communities. He exposed and confronted foreign investors who were raping our forests and trampling Guyanese. The Bai Shan Lin issue and abuse of our forest, is a case in point which was brought to our attention in an incisive manner through him.
At the party (PNCR) level this young man accepted nomination to run for Leader, exercising a right that the party constitution allows him. Under his leadership the Region became the fastest growing in party membership − general, youth and women. Without a doubt he ranks amongst the most progressive young leaders within recent times.
I am sure APNU+AFC leaders Joe Harmon, Rupert Roopnaraine, Winston Felix, David Hinds, Carl Greenidge, Moses Nagamootoo, Tacuma Ogunseye, Clive Thomas, Khemraj Ramjattan, Nigel Hughes, Raphael Trotman, Cathy Hughes, Denis Patterson, Volda Lawrence, Simona Broomes, Winston Jordon, Basil Williams and Amna Ally, et al, having done dispassionate analyses of the political landscape would concur with these findings.
The attempt to exclude Solomon, while not a surprise given the pre-elections in-party (PNCR) struggles, shows a lack of magnanimity. It leaves one to conclude that petty, vindictive behaviour of the PNC leadership is the guiding force behind this decision. It does not help knowing that Renis Morian, the proposed chairman is a personal friend of Mr Granger.
The marginalisation of Region 10 continues under a new government they voted for. This time the effort is to decapitate deserving and popular leadership.
Yours faithfully,
Minette Bacchus
