Hundreds of A Partnership for National Unity participated in an authorised peace march through the city on November 9, which culminated in a four-hour public meeting at Stabroek Square.
APNU Chairman David Granger, the feature speaker, once again called for an explanation of the shooting of protesters on December 6. Granger said never in his life has he seen a day like December 6 and charged the gathering that “we have to do something about that”.
Aubrey Norton
To a cheering crowd, Granger promised that if an inquiry is not completed and answers provided by December 15, the coalition will conduct its own inquiry.
He said that the party is not accepting the “excuse” by the Home Affairs Ministry that it is the unit commander who gave the directive to riot police to open fire on protestors.
Now that the APNU has the majority in parliament, Granger assured his supporters that the party will work to ensure that the needs of the people are met. “We are going to take control of that building there [Parliament Building], that’s where we are going to run Guyana. APNU and AFC are in control and we are going to change things,” Granger told his supporters.
Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, who served as prime ministerial candidate of the coalition, called on the supporters to remain militant and organised, since they have to ensure that parliamentarians get the job done.
“When we go into that place, we want you outside because it is you on the outside who will ensure that righteousness takes place on the inside. You have the keep the majority tight and you must ensure there is no slippage,” Roopnarine told APNU supporters.
Another speaker Aubrey Norton promised that the party’s majority will be transformed into the power of the people and will be used in their interest.
Meantime, the party reiterated its call for the resignation of the chairman and chief elections officer of GECOM. GECOM must be revamped, several speakers, including former Member of Parliament Basil Williams, contended.
The elections body continues to face harsh criticism from the party for its handling of the concluded general and regional elections, especially in its sloth to release results and later to provide Statements of Poll, which were released to the opposition parties on December 6.
