Ten changes have been made to the PNCR’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), highlighting the internal dissent which gripped the party in the runup to its June 28 to 30 congress.
“I didn’t see the urgency”, Returning Officer Vincent Alexander stated during the PNCR’s Press Conference yesterday over on the issue of speeding up the counting process for the party which had its elections son Sunday, June 30th, 2024.
The composition of the newly elected CEC marks a departure from the previous committee, with several incumbents retaining their positions alongside newcomers. Compared to the previous committee, names such as Riaz Rupnarain, Coretta McDonald, and Jermaine Figueira appear on both lists, highlighting continuity and some turnover within the party leadership. The elections held as part of the PNCR’s 22nd Biennial Delegates Congress, saw the election of fifteen members to the CEC. Among the elected are figures such as Nima Flue-Bess, MP, who secured 835 votes, and Mervyn Williams with 820 votes.
Continuity
Riaz Rupnarain, Coretta McDonald, Troy Garraway, Jermaine Figueira, and Ganesh Mahipaul have retained their positions in the CEC.
New Members
Nima Flue-Bess, Mervyn Williams, Robin Simon, Anil Sugrim, Joan Ann Romascindo, Sherwood Lowe, Kemal Kissoon, Marcia Gordon, Wainwright McIntosh, and Deron Adams are newly elected members who were not part of the previous CEC.
Complete list of elected CEC members and their total votes-
Nima Flue-Bess, MP – 835 votes
Mervyn Williams – 820 votes
Ganesh Mahipaul, MP – 810 votes
Coretta McDonald, MP – 808 votes
Robin Simon – 760 votes
Riaz Rupnarain – 750 votes
Anil Sugrim, Town Councillor, Corriverton – 745 votes
Joan Ann Romascindo – 740 votes
Sherwood Lowe – 726 votes
Troy Garraway, Chief Councilor, Georgetown – 722 votes
Kemal Kissoon, Councillor, RDC Region #7 – 702 votes
Marcia Gordon, NDC Councillor, Enmore – 658 votes
Wainwright McIntosh, Mayor of New Amsterdam – 658 votes
Deron Adams, Regional Chairman RDC #10 – 626 votes
Jermaine Figueira, MP – 527 votes
Changes
These individuals were part of the previous committee but did not appear on the list of newly elected members for 2024- Gary Best Rear Admiral (Ret’d.), MSM, Hazel Pyle-Lewis, Edward Collins, Brigadier (Ret’d.), MSM, Amanza Walton-Desir, Samuel Sandy, Geeta Chandan-Edmonds, Christopher Jones, Dawn Hastings-Williams, Kirk Fraser.
The results for the executive positions, including Leader, Chairperson, two Vice-Chairpersons, and Treasurer, were officially announced on the evening of June 30th, 2024, following the day of elections. The elected officers are:
Aubrey C. Norton – Leader
Shurwayne Holder – Chairperson
Elizabeth Williams-Niles – Vice-Chairperson
Vinceroy Jordan – Vice-Chairperson
Elson Low – Treasurer
In a statement released on the PNCR’s Facebook page, Returning Officer Alexander detailed the election procedures conducted by VA & Associates, emphasizing their impartiality and adherence to agreed-upon protocols. Despite initial delays and criticism, Alexander confirmed that the results for executive officers were promptly released, albeit the CEC results took longer than expected.
The PNCR, in response to the election outcomes, emphasized the committee’s demographic diversity and regional representation, underscoring the party’s commitment to inclusivity. “One-third of the committee members are women, and several regions, including regions #3, 4, 6, 7, and 10, are represented,” the statement read.
Looking forward, the PNCR urged its members and supporters to focus on the party’s overarching goal, encapsulated in the theme of the Biennial Delegates Congress: “Forming the next government: building a just, inclusive, and prosperous society for all.” Additionally, the party announced plans to co-opt ten additional members to the CEC, in accordance with its constitution.
Despite procedural challenges, the PNCR expressed gratitude to its members and supporters for their participation in ensuring the success of the congress and elections.
