Retired Brigadier General David Granger and his supporters on Saturday celebrate his being elected the presidential candidate for People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) after a stiff contest at a special Delegates Congress at Sophia
Retired Brigadier General David Granger has been elected the presidential candidate for the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) party, after a tight contest at a Special Delegates Congress at that party’s headquarters at Sophia. He defeated former finance minister in the PNC government, Carl Greenidge, by 15 votes when he secured 279 votes in a contest that took approximately four hours and was decided after exactly two counts.
When this final announcement was made, rapturous celebration erupted among ecstatic supporters sporting green jerseys labelled “Granger… a good life for all Guyanese.” Clad in a similarly green shirt, Granger seemed cool, calm, and collected — a demeanour that contrasted with that of his jubilant supporters, who hoisted the retired army general shoulder-high in their joy.
In an acceptance speech, the 65-year-old candidate committed to enhancing public security and guaranteeing equal rights for all, specifically women. He remained faithful to his “E-6 gateway to a good life” that was unveiled at the launch of his campaign in October.
The plan focuses on six Es: Education, Employment, Enterprise, Empowerment, Economy and Equality.
He told reporters that: “My policy is to restore a high level of public security and to start work to bring about a high level of national unity.” According to him, both will take a long time to deliver, but a reformed Guyana Police Force and education system can bring about greater cohesion in society.
On the issue of education, Granger said, a PNCR government under his leadership would ensure that every child is placed in a well-staffed school and completes his or her education.
He is proposing the establishment of a voluntary national service, where out-of- school youth can be trained and later be gainfully employed.
Enlarging the economy by expanding access to micro-credit schemes and extending agro- processing enterprises is also part of the plan to enhance economic development.
In reference to empowerment, Granger wants to see all citizens enjoying equal civil rights and having an active involvement or voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
Greenidge, who was the apparent leader after the first count, secured 264 votes from the 667 voters.
He had little to say, except that he was satisfied with the process employed. The former finance minister, who left Guyana just after the death of former President Desmond Hoyte, was asked if a similar approach would be adopted, but he responded: “At this point, I have no plans to do anything specifically.” Basil Williams and Dr Faith Harding, who secured 88 and 20 votes respectively, disappeared before the official announcement was made by Returning Officer Earl John.
James Bond, the youngest contender, managed to secure only 13 votes. He told Guyana Times International that the process was a fair one. He added, “I will support him as the presidential candidate …” Party Leader Robert Corbin, speaking briefly after the announcement, congratulated the front-runners and urged them to get on board in a journey that he hopes would lead to success.
“… there’s room for all of us to work together to make our party the fighting force it once was, and a united force that would take us to victory.” While addressing the congress earlier in the day, Corbin urged delegates to be mindful of the major challenges facing the party. He noted that financing would be an important factor.
“The PPP is well financed, and if we are to succeed, we need to be conscious of the necessity of raising the required funds to oil the election machinery,” Corbin noted. He acknowledged the urgent need to launch the party’s Election Fund, and he encouraged pledges from members.
The first pledge came from the newly- elected presidential candidate: Gy$101,000. Granger declared that he has to lead by example. Now he intends to head into full campaign gear, merging his camp with that of the PNCR.
Joint Opposition
Considering the decision of the PNCR to form an alliance with other opposition parties under the umbrella of the Joint Opposition Political Parties (JOPP), Granger acknowledged that his party has the majority representation and he is confident that the party could field the presidential candidate.
The retired brigadier general stated that he would soon meet with the JOPP to synchronize their respective visions and ensure that they forge together with one common purpose.
