Outgoing Chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Volda Lawrence this morning told the opening of the party’s 21st Biennial Delegates Congress that it is time the PNCR takes a new road with renewed leadership.
She made the statement while delivering the opening remarks in the absence of incumbent Leader David Granger. The PNCR’s congress opened at about 9:30 am and because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is being held using a hybrid method. There are 13 locations in the 10 Administrative Regions, where more than 3,000 delegates would congregate to cast their votes for Party Leader, Chairperson, 2 Vice-Chairs, Treasurer and members of the Central Executive Committee.
There are almost 150 persons vying for those positions. The elections process, which was due to start at 11 am, is expected to conclude by 7 pm, and preliminary results are expected by Sunday morning.
During her remarks, Lawrence said the PNCR continues to champion the struggles of its founder, Forbes Burnham, by seeking social justice, the removal of all forms of inequity, eradication of all forms of prejudice and building a nation of proud and productive citizens.
“Our great party after 64 years, must now take a new road with new and renewed leadership as we pass the baton to the next generation of leaders. This party is no stranger to changes and continues to demonstrate its capacity to lead and remain relevant,” she said.
The Party Chair told members that while the PNCR will continue being a refuge for the advantaged, the discriminated and the neglected, it has also given birth to other political parties with similar history.
“The deepening of the national democratic process while holding strong takes principles of inclusivity and representation of the voiceless. Our coalition partners were birthed out of political differences, and we respect them. Our togetherness resulted in our election to government in 2015 and an example of true coalition politics. We are a bold party, comrades and not afraid of challenges wherever they may confront us,” she remarked.
Lawrence posited that the congress not only deepens the party’s democracy but also allows for greater participation at all level
“The large number of young persons vying for positions at this congress demonstrates that our party can rejuvenate itself and is rejuvenating itself, which our democratic process has facilitated. It is us that the nation is looking towards to bring about political change and return to government. It is the US that the international community’s looking towards to bring about political change in this great country of ours,” Lawrence said.
She thanked the members for their commitment and service to the party while reminding them that her decision not to contend the elections does not translate to her exit from the PNCR.
“I am also excited at the renewed and heightened interest by our members in our Congress and the Central Executive Committee of our great Party. There is no doubt that our party is revitalized. I wish all of our candidates well and trust that they recognize that at the end of this democratic process, which concludes where their extensive campaigns we, the People’s National Congress reform was harness all our energies towards returning to government and continue the pursuit of a good life for all our people,” she said.
