APNU promises ‘package of surprises’ at campaign launch

By Gomatie Gangadin

The main Opposition – A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) said it was excited and ready for the launching of its elections campaign later this month, promising a package of surprise new candidates and other major announcements.

This is according to General Secretary Joseph Harmon who on Wednesday told this publication that the party is in full swing with preparations for its February 20 elections campaign launch. He noted that even as he was speaking, the party was meeting and fine-tuning details so that the campaign can bring the desired results.

“The preparations are a work in progress. There are several meetings taking place to ensure that everything is set and in order. We are excited by what is happening and we are prepared for the February 20 launch,” Harmon said. He noted that the party will be having its leadership meeting on Friday where the final discussions on the launch were expected to take place and any necessary changes will be made so that the launch can be successful.

The General Secretary has promised that the coalition will be unveiling several surprise candidates at the launch on February 20, days before the country celebrates its Republican Anniversary. He was at the time responding to the question of whether Guyanese society can expect any surprises in terms of the party’s list of candidates.

“Oh definitely, definitely, we will be having lots of surprises. Last week, we had the Justice For All Party (JFAP) reaffirming their commitment with the party and since then they have been participating in every activity of the Partnership. We have had known PPP [People’s Progressive Party] supporters coming and telling us that they wish to get on board, since they are disenchanted by the current Administration. We have been getting lots of people coming on board, so we will have surprises on February 20,” the APNU General Secretary disclosed.

He was, however, adamant on not revealing any names, saying “you will have to wait until February 20 to get the new names. It is a surprise”. Harmon expressed that APNU remained optimistic of winning a majority come May 11, since it has faith in its support base and Guyanese society.

Leadership

Meanwhile, APNU Chairman, retired Brigadier David Granger is said to be the Partnership’s Presidential Candidate. Harmon had previously told this newspaper that Dr Rupert Roopnaraine will remain as the Prime Ministerial Candidate for the grouping if current coalition talks were not successful. Noting that Roopnaraine has enjoyed the confidence of the coalition, Harmon said he will not be replaced. Asked whether APNU had any policy in choosing its Prime Ministerial Candidate based on ethnicity, Harmon answered in the negative. He further said that there are no plans to replace any of the party members in their respective posts.