A husband and wife endorsing two different political parties publicly represents the right to freedom of choice. So says Dr Karen Cummings, a new face on the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) list of candidates.
Dr Emmanuel Cummings
Her husband, Dr Emmanuel Cummings, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Guyana (UG) only recently endorsed the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C). He spoke on that party’s platform at its Kitty rally. Speaking to Guyana Times International on Monday, Dr Cummings said her move to support APNU is not a new one. She stated that while she has not been open about her political affiliations prior to this year’s general and regional elections campaign, she has always supported the People’s National Congress (PNC).
“I was not openly supportive, but I supported the party. I had gotten a scholarship to do a degree, I benefited from free nursery to tertiary education. I benefited under the PNC,” she said.
She believes that APNU has a lot to offer Guyana more particularly in the area of development and opportunities for the young.
“It is a party that has a breakthrough idea. I would belong to any party that has a vision to promote good governance, create jobs, keep citizens safe, and provide entrepreneurial opportunities for young people, among others. APNU is that party.”
Dr Cummings, a medical doctor, told this publication that the skills she possesses coupled with her experience in the medical profession will assist her to bring some change to the health sector should APNU win this year’s polls. She has been working with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Four for a number of years.
She said there needs to be greater levels of accountability in the public sector, noting that issues of mismanagement and dishonesty plague the public sector.
Dr Karen Cummings
“Accountability is essential, a government must account for how taxpayers’ money is spent,” remarked Dr Cummings. When asked about her political experience, she said political experience is not needed for one to be associated with a particular political party.
Expressing confidence that APNU will win this year’s elections, Dr Cummings said, “APNU will win the elections. They have done the ground work; people will respond positively. People have been calling for change and will exercise their franchise in favour of APNU.”
However, while Dr Karen believes that sharing differing political opinions and affiliations is not a problem and should never be between husbands and wives, her husband begs to differ.
“It is the freedom of choice that we have; we are not the first couple. I don’t see it as a problem, I respect that, that is his choice,” she stated.
She continued, “I am a devout Christian, a Seventhday Adventist, I would not endorse anything that contradicts with my religious beliefs, it is my civic duty; I want to be a part of decision making at the highest level.” Dr Cummings stressed that she will remain supportive of APNU, although she will not be at the forefront of the party’s campaign.
In an interview with Guyana Times International recently, Dr Emmanuel said he was surprised by his wife’s move to endorse APNU, just days after he openly supported the PPP/ C. At the PPP/C’s Kitty rally, Dr Emmanuel encouraged citizens and, more particularly, black citizens to come out in their numbers to support the ruling administration in its bid to be re-elected. He believes his wife’s endorsement of APNU is a deliberate attempt by the coalition to devalue his whole relationship with the PPP.
Dr Emmanuel indicated to this publication that he had asked his wife to withdraw from being a candidate for APNU. She, however, refused – telling Guyana Times International that she will not “jump ship”.
Over the past few weeks, there have been several new faces on the forefront of all political parties, and many have changed allegiances.
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