Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, has ‘thrown his hat into the ring’ and stated his intention to run for leadership of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), while stating that for the party to move up and onward, it was imperative to Regroup, Refocus and Rebuild.
At a press conference held yesterday, Forde formally announced his decision to compete with incumbent Aubrey Norton for the position of Leader of the PNCR at the upcoming 22nd PNCR Biennial Delegates Congress.
In a subsequent press release, the MP stressed the importance of his party’s upcoming Congress, and the decisions taken. “At present we stand on the cusp of a pivotal moment in our party’s and the nation’s history. The actions we take and decisions we make over the next few months should not be taken lightly.” He also assured of his intention to be part of the process of change and to put his shoulder to the wheel. “I stand before you with a great sense of purpose & resoluteness; purpose to be part of a much needed process of change and a resoluteness to work tirelessly with every member of the PNCR to make that a reality.”
Forde referenced the PNCR’s party constitution Article 15, Section I, which of the authority vested in the Biennial Delegates Congress, and Section 4 which gives the Congress the authority to elect a party leader and the Central Executive Committee. “It is on these bases that I hereby announce that I am making myself available for nomination to contest for the position of leader of the People’s National Congress Reform when Congress is officially announced.”
Notice was taken of the relatively short time between the Congress and the National and Regional Elections which are due in 2025, with the understanding that the process to regain the Presidency must begin now.
The MP noted that in his interactions during his travels across the country, party comrades and supporters of the coalition are demanding an approach that not only holds the People’s Progressive Party accountable, but also an approach that imbues hope in the hearts and minds of Guyanese. Such an approach, he posited, must show “unity, strength, collectivism, integrity and patriotism,” while urging that to build this future, “we must Regroup, Refocus and Rebuild.”
Regroup
The release sees Regrouping is a crucial aspect of the party’s political endeavour not only as a political strategy, but as a testament to its collective strength and resilience. “The PNCR has a rich history and a diverse array of perspectives that make us strong. It is therefore critical that we come together, to regroup and realign our efforts in pursuit of our shared values and goals for the betterment of the people.”
It also posited that unity within the party should not just be a “mere aspiration,” but must be seen as a “fundamental necessity” for the PNCR to achieve meaningful progress and enact positive change, both for itself and the nation.
Further, regrouping entails bridging divides, building consensus, and harnessing strength of unity. This will add to the efforts made to forge a path forward that prioritises the well being and prosperity of all Guyanese. “So it is important that we regroup not as factions or individuals, but as a united force, not just to present a unified front, but to be the united front that addresses the very issues that affect the livelihood of the people of this nation.”
Refocus
With regard to refocussing, the release acknowledged that political parties face “a myriad” of challenges both internally and externally of which the PNCR is not exempt. However, it is during challenging times and moments of uncertainty that it must refocus its energies and realign its priorities.
It also means that the party must recommit itself to the core values and principles as well as the putting aside personal agendas and egos aside for the greater good of the party and the people of the nation. This means constantly engaging in “constructive dialogue”, actively listening to diverse perspectives, and always finding common ground to move forward.
It was also explained that such refocusing cannot occur in isolation, hence the necessity to regroup.
“As we refocus internally we must also refocus our attention on the issues that matter most to the Guyanese people –the high cost of living, better healthcare, education, economic opportunities for all, a clean voters list and there is much more that can be added to this list. We must refocus our strategies to effectively address these pressing issues and deliver real, tangible solutions that improve the lives of our fellow Guyanese. It is imperative that we refocus on what unites us, rather than what separates us, as a party and as a nation.”
