–Congress to elect new leader as party mulls future
By Michael Younge
General Secretary of the Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR), Oscar Clarke says that his party remains “strong” and “intact”, despite the fact that it has had to make compromises on various issues and policies while being a core part of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).
Clarke, speaking with Guyana Times International during an interview at Congress Place last Monday explained that these compromises in no way affect the party’s political weight, its membership or the core policies and ideologies which it has represented since its formation some 55 years ago. Clarke said there were times when the PNCR has had to express its positions on various issues which saw other members of the APNU grouping compromising or making amendments because of the rationality in the party’s argument. He did not fail to say that there were times too when the PNC/R itself has had to make the necessary adjustments within the partnership to reach a compromise, so that the work of the people could continue in a unified manner.
Asked whether the party has lost political weight or control of its core electoral supporters which now seemingly belong to APNU, Clarke responded in the negative stating that the PNCR remains vibrant, representing the views of the grass roots people and the working class.
“The PNCR has never lost its identity. We are not part of any opposition coalition but rather a partnership with smaller political parties and so we could never lose our identity or focus about who we are”, he reasoned.
Questioned as to whether the PNCR would suffer a loss of votes or support because of the budget cuts instituted by the APNU parliamentary group of which it is a part, the general secretary agreed to some extent, explaining that if the group does not venture to explain in detail and with clarity the positions it took to the people, the party’s credibility could be put at risk. He admitted that the machinery of the party remains intact and it is always in contact with its supporters, explaining the actions of its parliamentarians and the party with respect to the APNU alliance. He felt strongly that government had managed to use the cuts and the fact that they were not necessarily cleared explained to the public, in the first instance, to its advantage, stating much work would have to be undertaken to reverse the rage felt by sections of the society that felt somewhat betrayed or confused by the dramatic nature of the debates which ensued on both sides of the house.
“The way they (government) have played on these cuts and unless we go now to the communities and undo these things, it will stick in the minds of the people”, he said before adding that “I agree with you, unless we go and undo these things we could lose credibility”.
Clarke appeared confident that the cuts were necessary but stated a divergence of views may have occurred with the APNU settling when the proposals to increase electricity tariffs for Lindeners.
He said that the PNCR had never agreed in principle to such a move and as a result, made its position clear to the people who would have been affected, stating that this was one area where the party chose to make its reservations clear about what really played out.
“The party took a position that was distinct from the APNU leadership on this matter” he related as he added that at the end of the day, it is the people who would judge their leaders harshly for any missteps made.
He does not see a likely divorce between APNU and PNCR in the near future, even if threatened by a snap election. “We in the PNCR are ready for any eventuality and will respond strongly”, he declared. Meanwhile, Clarke said that plans for the party’s bi-annual congress are progressing smoothly with a series of meetings and activities taking place simultaneously in order for a successful congress to be staged.
Approximately 500 or more delegates will be accredited for the event. At the moment, a theme for the party’s congress has not been finalised but work is continuing to ensure that business in this area is wrapped up by weekend.
Some eight sub-committees are working in various areas while four meetings of the National Congress Committee have been executed with just two months left until the congress is staged in July.
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