As expected, Aubrey Norton was yesterday returned as Leader of the PNCR at its congress and a decision was also taken to anoint him as presidential candidate for next year’s general elections, blunting likely efforts to arrive at a consensus figure among opposition parties.
The motion however said that the PNCR leader “is solely empowered to decide, if he or she so chooses, on other possible choices or arrangements for Presidential Candidate”.
A statement from the PNCR follows:
22nd Biennial Delegates Congress
The 3-day 22nd Biennial Delegates Congress of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) concluded on Sunday, 30th June 2024. Approximately 1,300 Delegates representing 218 groups were accredited. Delegates came from all ten administrative regions of Guyana as well as from the North American and the United Kingdom region to deliberate on the serious issues affecting the Party and the nation. The theme for this Biennial Congress was: “Forming the next government: building a just, inclusive, and prosperous society for all.”
The opening ceremony was held on Friday 28th June 2024. Chairman of the Party Shurwayne Holder, MP, gave the welcome and opening remarks. The highlight of the opening day was the Congress Address by the Leader of the PNCR Aubrey C. Norton. In his presentation, Mr. Norton described his Party’s people’s centred vision as a CONTRACT WITH GUYANA that “puts people first and will utilize the resources of Guyana to achieve the ultimate goal of providing a high quality of life to the people of Guyana through the direct and indirect transfer of resources to our people, to educate them, support their mobilization of resources to work, and for investment with the aim of alleviating and ultimately eradicating poverty while simultaneously resulting in the sustainable development of all communities and sectors of the Guyanese society, as well as the promotion of good governance and the creation of a just and prosperous society.”
Party Leader Norton also touched on national security, foreign policy, and the necessity for biometrics and a clean voters list at the next general election.
Day two of the Congress was a working session. Several groups from across the country and overseas brought greetings to the Congress and Party Chairman Shurwayne Holder presented the General Secretary’s report.
The plenary session of the Congress examined the Chairman’s remarks, the Leader’s address and the General Secretary’s Report. Delegates vigorously debated and discussed the various issues emanating from the three addresses.
The 22nd Biennial Congress examined several motions that were brought by local and overseas Party groups. Motions called on the Party to work towards establishing racial unity in Guyana, ensuring the implementation of its people-centred vision, providing transportation to support the Party’s work in the Hinterland regions, among other matters. The Congress also passed a motion decreeing that the elected Party Leader at the 22nd Biennial Delegates Congress be the Party’s Presidential Candidate for the next General and Regional elections