Political confrontation would lead us nowhere, PNCR Chair and acting party leader Volda Lawrence told an event to celebrate the 64th anniversary of the party today.
She added: “Our actions must be set towards unification. We want to proceed in a way that will enable everyone to benefit – at least this should be our goal”.
Lawrence is the acting leader in the absence of David Granger who has taken leave and was not present at today’s event. Granger was not mentioned in the opening remarks delivered by Lawrence.
The remarks by Lawrence follow:
Vice-Chairperson Cde. Annette Ferguson, MP and Dr. George Norton,
Treasurer Ronald Bulkan and General Secretary, Cde. Amna Ally,
Members of the Central Executive,
Past Leader Mr. Robert Corbin & Mrs. Corbin
Members of Parliament
His Worship the Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine and Deputy Mayor Alfred Mentore
Chairman of Regional Democratic Demerara-Mahaica, Daniel Seeram
Leader of the Opposition Cde. Joseph Harmon
Former General Secretaries and Executives of the PNCR
Comrades and friends,
Today, the fifth of October 2021, is a great and solemn day in the history of both the People’s National Congress Reform and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. It was on this day, 64 years ago that our founding members ratified a decision which transformed the political landscape of the then British Guiana and ultimately the lives of all Guyanese. Looking back on the glorious journey over 64 years, the Party can boast of many achievements both here in Guyana and around the world. Although in comparison to other Political Parties, from across the world, the PNCR is relatively young, the Party’s achievements far surpass its age. Our Party, the PNCR, has stood as the Vanguard Party leading in all aspects of political, social and national development. Today, as we commemorate our Party’s anniversary, it is important to reflect on our history, acknowledging both our achievements and failures, while looking ahead to the bright prospects and the rejuvenation of our Party and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. Today we celebrate this, our 64th Anniversary under the theme, “Learning from the past, Conquering the Future.”
Let me begin by extending warm congratulations to all Party members on behalf of the Central Executive Committee of the PNCR. I wish to affirm today it is clear that political confrontation would lead us nowhere. Our actions must be set towards unification. We want to proceed in a way that will enable everyone to benefit – at least this should be our goal.
We must expand the reach of the PNCR and allow our principles and commitment to the people of Guyana to dominate the political realm and improve the lives of all Guyanese. From this historical starting point, our personal commitment as well as our responsibility to all of Guyana must include working to have a more organised and mobilised Party, united in its effort to advocate for its membership and all Guyanese.
This year, as we prepare to host the Party’s 21st Biennial Delegates Congress, even amidst a global pandemic, our efforts must be recognized as a timely reminder of the dynamic nature of the PNCR, a Party that has evolved throughout the ages and remains committed to the tenets of democracy enshrined in its constitution, and the constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Our Congress demonstrates our strength, our vivacity, and our dynamism. It demonstrates our unity and our vision. It shows the continuity of our work. Comrades, our Congress also holds a very important significance for our Party. Let me therefore, assure you comrades that no effort will be spared to ensure of your safety, as all factors have been considered and all necessary precautions will be taken.
Comrades in closing, I wish to emphasize a few important points.
· Our Party is a great, glorious and correct Party, a fact which is acknowledged by leaders, other political parties and supporters around the world.
· Our Party – The People’s National Congress Reform must continue its activism to provide the best quality of life for all Guyanese and remain connected to and with the people.
· As a Party, unified in purpose, we will continue to defend and promote the great principles of our Party, which are centered on social justice.
· Our story must be told, our voices must rise above those who attempt to create an illusion of who we are and what we stand for. “Truth must forever remain our marshal weapon”
· Comrades, it is through our adherence to Our Constitution, to dynamic and strong leadership that our membership will remain committed and have hope for a prosperous future.
· Our Biennial Delegates Congress signifies and rekindles hope in our Party and hope for the future.
· Hope in the future, because WE are the Party of the future. A Party of the future founded on a glorious past, which will forever inspire us. And guide us to continue building, together, our great Guyana, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
Happy 64th Anniversary, May God continue to guide us as we Learn from the Past; and Conquer the Future.
Long live the People’s National Congress Reform, long live the Cooperative Republic of Guyana!
I thank you.