People’s National Congress Reform’s (PNCR) executive member Amanza Walton-Desir has indicated her willingness to run for the leadership position during the party’s congress, slated for next month.
Walton-Desir made the announcement on Friday, stating that she was open to being nominated and willing to accept the nomination if approached by party members. She emphasized that she had already been approached by several groups asking if she would accept the nomination, and has indicated that she would be willing to do so.
“Absolutely, yes, I’m open. I’m available. I did give my word that as soon as the process is properly kick-started, that I would say and so, I am. I am. I am open,” she stated.
During a brief meeting with Stabroek News, Walton-Desir emphasized that it was not necessary for the party leader to also be the presidential candidate as there is no rule that requires it.
She believes that the party must be agile and respond to prevailing circumstances, making decisions based on what is happening at the time. “And so, for me, it’s a question that the party can and must resolve. I have every confidence in our membership, that they understand what is required for the time that we’re in,” she said.
When asked about her plans and intentions, Walton-Desir said that she would focus on addressing issues that are important to the party’s membership. However, she did not specify what those issues are, but emphasized that the party’s democracy allows for multiple candidates to run for leadership positions, and that it is up to the membership to decide who will lead the party.
“On the next steps going forward? I suppose, the way it works is that groups that will want to meet with you. They invite you and so I expect that the calls for meetings that I’ve been having will continue. I’m open and available to speak. Like I said, we are in a democratic party, you know, we don’t give out a select list of names and say these are the people, but we rely on the understanding, the wisdom, [and] the insight of our membership to determine the course of the party. And so, it’s going to be an exciting next few weeks, but at the end of it, we will come together. We will unite and we will go on to form the next government,” she said.
Walton-Desir had said in early April that she was taking a humble approach and would not answer questions about her potential candidacy until after the delegates’ preferences were known. However, she has now thrown her hat into the ring.
The PNC/R’s congress is set to take place in late June, and Walton-Desir’s announcement is likely to add excitement and interest to the proceedings. With her experience as a shadow Foreign Affairs Minister and her popularity within the party, Walton-Desir could be a strong contender in the leadership race.
