Dear Members,
Since this is the first time during the term of this Executive that I am officially receiving a copy of an e-mail to CEC Members on any matter, albeit, an invitation to our Party’s anniversary, allow me to say formally that I concur with the concerns of Cde. John Yates. I have followed with great concern the debate and reports in the media about our Party’s next Congress and related matters. Regrettably, for reasons already stated I considered it inappropriate to offer any uninvited comments as by now it is obvious that my counsel was not needed. On reflection, however, it may be a grave dereliction of my duty as a former leader and as a COVID-19 survivor, still suffering from the long term effects of the virus one- year after, to remain silent. I have, upon my specific request a few days ago, received and read a copy of the official proposal for the “Virtual Congress”.
My observation is that there will be nothing virtual with the Regional assemblies, save and except, virtual participation with other Assemblies.
The challenges facing those Regional Assemblies of ensuring COVID-19 protocols are observed, will be the same, or, more than those which faced the organizers for the National Congress Assembly in Georgetown, which caused the decision to have a “Virtual Congress” to be made and not follow the traditional practice. It is also noteworthy that the cost of regional participation may be the same or more than a traditional Congress: e.g., factor in cost of internal regional travel to the selected venue, meal preparation, and technical equipment and logistics for the virtual participation. Unless that is the intention, real participation of delegates to the deliberations would also be limited/restricted. Even large international bodies with resources, such as CARICOM or the UN, would have difficulties in hosting such an event, even though participation at those bodies is in many cases limited to one or two speakers per delegation. In the absence of careful planning, including identification of venues and satisfying all the required protocols at each, (and I’m not convinced that we have the capacity at this time to do so), the Party’s leadership will have to take full responsibility for knowingly contributing to the ill health of its members.
Like Mr. Yates, I am not encouraging responses to my observation. I am just bringing my observations to the attention of the Leadership, of which I am not a part, at the first opportunity formally presented to me. Let’s hope that wise Counsel may still prevail and this proposal will be reconsidered objectively by those who have been elected by our members to safely and competently manage the affairs of our Party between Congresses. I am also not unaware of the other issues that are of concern and which have been raised during the above referenced public discussions. I find it difficult to accept, however, that our Party, with all its history, cannot find another way to advance its mandate during this difficult period, putting other agendas and interests aside for the benefit of our thousands of members and supporters who are depending upon the PNCR, and, for the sake of Guyana as a whole. Thanking you for the opportunity to share my thoughts, whether they are accepted or not.
Sincerely,
Name and Address Provided
