Formation of APNU not meant to be an alternative to PNCR – Robert Corbin

In the face of speculation that it was losing its way to the new upstart political movement, A Partnership For National Unity (APNU), People’s National Congress Reform leader Robert Corbin on Saturday said that the party of Forbes Burnham remains dedicated to the development and empowerment of the working people of this country. He said it must remain vibrant, dynamic and alive, for without the PNCR there could not have been APNU.

Corbin was speaking at the party’s general council meeting held at PNCR headquarters in Sophia, Greater Georgetown. “The formation of APNU is not an alternative for the PNCR,” he said, noting that the mission of the PNCR is to continue to rejuvenate and reposition the party “as we collaborate in a wider partnership”. The general council was the first for the year.

The attendees included members of the Central Executive, delegates from all 10 regions of Guyana, Members of Parliament and special invitees. The general council, which is the highest decision-making forum of the party, after the Biennial Congress, was chaired by party chairman Bishwaishwar “Cammie” Ramsaroop.

Corbin, in his address to the general council, stated that one of the principles of the party was the recognition of the importance of reaching out and bringing fresh blood onboard to keep the party rejuvenated.

In looking back at his 2007 Congress Speech, he said that the PNCR, as a party, is concerned about Guyana, and the overall objective is always to ensure a better quality of life for the people of Guyana.

Factionalism

Corbin also discussed the emergence of factionalism – a most unpleasant tendency – as the party grows in strength. He said factionalism must be dealt with immediately, since it would not help to take the party forward. He emphasised that the PNCR should be the only faction if it is to progress.

Meanwhile, APNU’s chairman and Leader of the Opposition, Brigadier (retired) David Granger, in his presentation stated that the party must honour members who have worked hard over the decades and this must be done by the 55th anniversary of the party.

He also proposed that the party should institute a Forbes Burnham Annual Bursary Award to preserve the memory of the founding leader. He reminded the general council of Corbin’s statement that the PNCR is the heart of APNU and it will continue in the partnership with the other nine partners to deliver a good life for all Guyanese.

Granger said that the PNCR was the best organised party on the ground during the campaign. He pointed out that, throughout the elections campaign, APNU ran a clean campaign. He reminded the general council of the changed atmosphere after October 27, 2011(Nomination Day) when APNU staged a “Green Wave” on the streets of Georgetown to the City Hall. He said that APNU became an “unstoppable force” after that date.

He also commended the Guyana Youth and Student Movement (GYSM); Youth Coalition Transformation (YCT); and the Campaign Movers for their energy, and the young people were the ones who electrified the campaign.

Granger also spoke of factionalism within the party and stressed that party business must be transacted within the party organs such as the central executive and the general council.

Granger also spoke of the imperative of reforming the PNCR, National Council of Women (NCW), and GYSM to ensure that they become in tune with the times. In concluding, he commended all officers of the party, groups, members, pastors, and all those who worked hard during the election campaign. He said that the silent service of many persons, within and without Guyana, made the results, on November 28, 2011, possible.

No business as usual

In his welcome and opening remarks, Chairman Ramsaroop stated that the general council would deal with the relationship between the PNCR and APNU, as well as the performance of the APNU at the November 28, 2011 General and Regional Elections.

The chairman observed that the PPP/C still seemed to be seeing the politics of Guyana as if it was business as usual. He pointed out that, although the PPP/ C seems to have accepted the tripartite process, its general conduct is characterised by the same old unilateralism, which they have displayed since they took office in 1992.

“The winner-takes-all politics in Guyana is no more a reality, thanks to APNU and the PNCR”. The PNCR, he posited, is in the ascendency again and no doubt still has its best days ahead, Ramsaroop said.

Ramsaroop praised the leaders of the party on their leadership styles and qualities, and made special reference to Corbin, whose tasks as party leader and then leader of the opposition was more difficult than those of other party leaders. He lauded the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the party leader who applied himself to the task of building the party. He also applauded Corbin for not offering himself as the presidential candidate for the party, but instead, instituted the process and mechanism of the primaries to elect the presidential candidate for the party.