Carl Greendige hands over his letter of acceptance to PNCR General Secretary, Oscar Clarke
Former Finance Minister Carl Greenidge has accepted the nomination to be the presidential candidate of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) in the 2011 general elections. He handed over his letter of acceptance to the party’s general secretary, Oscar Clarke, late Monday at Clarke’s Congress Place office.
Speaking to the media just before handing over his acceptance letter, Greenidge said his decision has been influenced by approaches from several persons, and ultimately learning that his contract with his employer, Caricom, would not be renewed at the end of 2010. The non-renewal of his contract was sparked by the Guyana government’s protest over remarks he had made about the country’s economy at the funeral service of the PNCR shadow finance minister, Winston Murray.
“It is going to be difficult for regional entities being in a position to employ you, once a government is going to be taking this sort of position,” he explained. But the economist has embraced his new prospects with much optimism.
Though the line-up of presidential candidate hopefuls is “exceptionally qualified” in his opinion, Greenidge believes that his experience and background in development and poverty reduction work, among other things, will allow him to craft a vision for Guyana along a path that citizens can follow. “This will enable Guyanese to live within the type of society they’ve been aspiring to live in for quite some time. Features of this plan include improved security, opportunities for youth, modernisation of the agriculture and industrial sectors, and better wages to encourage the trained citizens to stay and contribute to this country’s development.
“I think I have ideas of how we might achieve that vision,” a confident Greenidge told reporters while sitting in the hallway at Congress Place. His vision also covers reviving the PNCR via plans that would allow supporters and other citizens to see that their concerns are taken into account and understood.
Caricom contract
Greenidge disclosed that he is seeking an explanation as to why his contract with Caricom’s Office for Trade Negotiations was not renewed; and why due process, as is required, was not taken. He disclosed that a letter was dispatched to the Caricom secretary general (SG) expressing these concerns. “…certainly, there is no internal examination of anything with me concerning anything that could govern sanctionable action.”
Caricom Secretary General, Sir Dr Edwin Carrington, at his 2010 end-of-year press conference, had said that renewing Greenidge’s contract and those of other employees at the OTN depended on several factors, including availability of finances. But according to the former Guyanese finance minister, based on his understanding and experience, a senior officer is never released first in a situation like this. He revealed that, prior to his comments on November 29, OTN’s 2011 budget, which included funding for his post, was approved by the Caricom Budget Committee.
As it relates to the controversial comments that sparked Georgetown’s complaint, Greenidge said, he is satisfied with the words used, since they effectively delivered the message that he wanted to send.
He explained that his tribute at the St George’s Cathedral encouraged citizens and party members to continue along a path that was created by a dedicated man, Winston Murray, regardless of the challenges they might encounter along the way.
Selection nearing
Meanwhile, the PNCR, in a statement issued on Monday, said it was closer to selecting a candidate, despite a one-week extension granted at the request of Greenidge and one other nominee. The 23 PNCR nominees will now have to hand in their curriculum vitae and a brief biographical data to the presidential process committee. The complete approved list of nominees, which also include Basil Williams, Dr Faith Harding, David Granger and Hamilton Green, will be announced within a week.
The PNCR has reiterated that, despite this process, it stands by its commitment to support a consensus candidate of the Joint Opposition Political Parties (JOPP), should one emerge from ongoing consultations.
