Nagamootoo joins AFC

– cites fallout with PPP’s leadership as main reason for resigning

By Michael Younge

Long-time member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Moses Nagamootoo has resigned, citing a fallout with the party’s leadership as the main cause. He has since joined the Alliance For Change party.

Nagamootoo, a former information minister under the Cheddi Jagan-led administration, told media operatives at a press conference held at his law firm on Monday afternoon that the decision was “one of the most difficult decisions” he has ever had to make. He said the decision to move further away from the party was officially taken, when he realised that he was continuously being sidelined by the PPP executive for major promotions, roles and portfolios within the political party.

He explained that it was his firm belief that his continued objections to certain positions and internal party issues contributed significantly towards his decision to part with the party for which he has struggled for more than 50 years.

“I walk with clean hands and a clean conscience,” Nagamootoo declared, saying his resignation has brought “closure to his association” with the ruling party and its current leaders.

Nagamootoo did not directly attack any member of the ruling party, but insisted that it was “the leadership” of the party that was responsible for his decision.

Reading from what appeared to be an emotionally charged three-page resignation letter to the general secretary of the ruling party, he said that he was “bulldozed” out of the party.

With his wife by his side and a picture of his family on his desk whom he says fully supports his decision, Nagamootoo said that resigning from the “PPP was only the beginning”.

Meanwhile, the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic in a press statement declared that it was not surprised by Nagamotoo’s resignation.

“This action comes as no surprise as Nagamootoo, for a while, has not been participating in the party’s bodies and activities,” the brief statement read.

The party said that his “dissatisfaction with the party was heightened after he failed to secure any support for his bid as the presidential candidate of the PPP/C for the 2011 elections”. The PPP stated that it is particularly not surprised because Nagamootoo continues to make unfounded charges against the party’s leadership as well as the government.

The party said its membership will not be distracted by this latest “Nagamootoo publicity antic”.