The Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall yesterday declared his support for Joseph Harmon for PNCR Leader in the party’s upcoming elections which are expected to be keenly contested.
The mayor in a release yesterday stated that he has opted to join MP Roysdale Forde, attorney-at-law; Region Four Chairman, Daniel Seeram; MP Ganesh Mahipaul; Region Ten Chairman, Deron Adams; MP Natasha Singh; “and hundreds of PNCR members across Guyana in support of Comrade Joseph Harmon for PNCR Leader.”
Marshall said that his decision was a result of “careful analysis of the qualified candidates nominated for Leader, and an objective assessment of the political state of our country.” He opined that the leader of the PNCR should be endowed with certain capacities which he listed as the ability to a) create an economic empowerment path for its members; b) meaningfully contribute to uniting and healing a divided country; and c) energise the CEC (Central Executive Committee) and other party groups to regain governance status.
And according to the Bartica mayor, “Harmon leads the points table on all of the above.” Further, he asserted that his candidate not only has the capacity to economically empower the party’s base but has demonstrated the ability to reach across partisan lines. “Comrade Harmon’s stance on a unified nation has been well articulated. His present slate endorses his passion for ethnic and gender inclusivity. Persons from across the racial divide have testified that Comrade Harmon reaches out to and embraces everyone, irrespective of their differences.
Guyana needs visionary leaders who are tolerant of ethnic differences, and who are committed to a united people.”
In listing Harmon’s other credentials, Marshall noted that he has worked with the PNCR in national elections since 2010 while his efforts at consecutive elections from that period to present are known to all. He also touched on what he referred to as Harmon’s “business acumen” which he averred has allowed him to manage three elections campaign “without a whisper of impropriety.”
The mayor added, “He has rebuilt and restored party offices throughout the country and his quiet generosity has gained much recognition in recent times. Lastly, his position on the resuscitation of party groups is inspiring, a reminder of our founding principles. This, I believe, gives him the advantage over the other candidates.”
While acknowledging that the elections for the leader of the PNCR has consequences for all Guyanese, the release quoted Marshall as declaring, “As a member of the PNCR, I support a candidate that is prepared to move the party forward in the best interest of the country.”
The elections are to be held on Saturday but questions have since arisen as to whether there should be a postponement. A decision is to be announced today.
The other main contestants are Aubrey Norton, Basil Williams and Dr Richard Van West-Charles.
