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Clarifying the PNCR’s stance on Carifesta and the EPA

Sep 11, 2008 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
I am compelled to respond to some comments made by Mr. Freddie Kissoon in his Kaieteur News column of September 6, 2008.

Therein, he pointed to what he termed the PNCR’s boycott of CARIFESTA and the participation by the PNCR in stakeholder consultations on the proposed CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union.

He then concluded that “the present PNC leadership is surely not far from being totally confused” and asked “what kind of politics is the PNC playing?”

I wish to let it be known that the PNCR is very clear and focused in its thinking. We see the two events as being qualitatively different.

In the case of CARIFESTA we were being invited to participate in events of a celebratory nature demonstrating unity, and it was, and remains, our view that we could not in good conscience make a pretence of celebration and unity when there were deep concerns about governance of, and fractiousness in, our society.

In the case of the proposed EPA, Mr. Kissoon cunningly casts the framework of the stakeholder consultation within the context of “an invitation by President Jagdeo to denounce the EPA.”

The invitations received by PNCR MPs said “the activity would be dedicated to critically examining the entire document with a view of highlighting those elements that constitute risks for CARICOM” and that “The meeting is also tasked with identifying a way forward.”

That is the framework within which we participated because, as a national party, we saw dangers in the EPA as initialled. Such dangers, if not addressed, we believe, could adversely affect the quantum and quality of benefits to be derived under such an Agreement by the people of Guyana.

The PNCR perceived the national interest, in this case, as requiring us to make our position known in the presence of the European Union’s representative.

It should also be explained that the final form of any EPA negotiation will be something that Guyana will have to live with for the foreseeable future (of course by agreement among all the signatories there could be changes).

The PNCR presents itself as the alternative to this government and, therefore, must be interested in the quality of the EPA negotiated since it could fall to the PNCR to have to administer an inadequate agreement.

Further, the people must see the party as demonstrating that interest. I trust that the PNCR’s position is now better understood.
Winston Murray

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