AFC is an independent party – Ramjattan

The Alliance for Change (AFC) Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan said his party will in no way serve as an appendage to any other political parties. Ramjattan made this comment during a press conference held on Wednesday, pointing out that the AFC is an independent party.

The AFC executive said while A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) executive David Granger continues to publicly announce that both the APNU and the AFC obtained 175,000 votes collectively, during the 2011 elections, the AFC is a separate party.

Ramjattan explained that if the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) comes forward with good plans, the AFC will be ready to support it.

“We are going to support the PPP in every project and programme that we find is worthwhile and in the nation’s interest,” Ramjattan stated.

Likewise, he said, the AFC will support the APNU, whenever they present something that will benefit the nation. According to Ramjattan, the AFC as well has a legislative agenda and is hoping that both parties will see it fit to support them too. The AFC plans to begin by proposing an amendment to the Freedom of Information Bill.

Commenting on Raphael Trotman’s ascension to the post of Speaker of the National Assembly, Ramjattan said it was not an easy task. He told media operatives that the AFC had to bargain heavily to make Trotman the Speaker.

“It was not an easy bargaining with the APNU; we had to fight very hard to get the Speakership,” he noted. While the party initially had chosen Mosses Nagamootoo as its candidate for Speaker, his candidature was rejected by the APNU. “They didn’t give anything on a platter, by the way; APNU don’t give anything on any platter,” Ramjattan emphasised.

Meanwhile, Trotman, who was present at the party’s press conference, said he will not be running for leader of the AFC in the next biennial conference, as it is a conflict of interest for him to hold the position of Speaker and party leader simultaneously.

Trotman stated that he will remain leader of the party, until the next AFC biennial conference, which is slated for later this year. The AFC will then decide on a new leader. Referring to challenges he could likely face if he holds both positions, Trotman said, “They are both time consuming and, of course, a Speaker is expected to be a Speaker for all and not one”. Questioned whether he is happy with the party current state, Trotman said that he is pleased, noting that the AFC has made major accomplishments for the short period the party has been in existence.

He pointed to the party holding the Speakership, having eight Members of Parliament and hosting two biennial conferences, as major accomplishments.

Trotman also believes that the AFC is one of the best newly formed parties in the Caribbean. He said, “We have done phenomenally well, but there is always room for improvement. I don’t think we should become complacent… we are growing”.