The incumbent Khemraj Ramjattan and David Patterson have both received nominations to be leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) at the party’s upcoming National Conference.
Ahead of the conference, which will be held next Saturday, the AFC yesterday announced that both men were the only nominees for the post of party leader. Each of them was nominated by eight groups.
Ramjattan has already said he would vie for the post if nominated, while Patterson, the party’s current General Secretary, last week also told this newspaper that he was ready to contest for the post if nominated.
Ramjattan on Thursday evening told the Stabroek News that he was not afraid of the contest as the democracy of the party is what makes the AFC so great.
He admitted that some party members have told him that they felt that it was time for new leadership and he understood that “if that is what the people want then so be it”.
Ramjattan has held the leadership on several occasions, rotating it with party co-founder Raphael Trotman. Trotman last week announced that he would not be accepting nominations as he does not plan to contest for any position at the conference. He said he believes the party needs new vigour and he also needs to focus on his health.
“I’m not planning on contesting for any positions. I attempted in 2019 not to run for any office, but was persuaded to stay on. This time my resolve is firmer to see my decision through. I believe the party needs refreshing and rejuvenating and even renewal, and having said so, I think I need to stand aside and act as a mentor. Additionally, I have my own medical recovery that I need to focus on,” he told this newspaper.
Those nominated for the post of party Chairperson are Ramjattan, Catherine Hughes, Sherod Duncan and Juretha Fernandes.
For Vice Chair, the nominees are Hughes, Duncan, Fernandes, Ricky Ramsaroop, Devin Sears, and Valerie Garrido-Lowe.
For position of General Secretary, Ramjattan is also nominated along with Duncan, Hughes, Fernandes, Ramsaroop, Neilson McKenzie and Michael Carrington.
The AFC said that in addition to the key Executive positions, some 55 members are vying to be the 12 elected members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
The Conference will see 285 delegates representing the ten regions in Guyana, the USA, Canada, UK, the Caribbean, and the Women for Change (WFC) and the Youth For Change (YFC) in attendance and participating. Fifty observers are also due to attend.
Returning Officer for the elections will be former Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder
