Robert Corbin’s record is a dismal one

May 26, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
The recent announcement by Ms. Amna Ally that Mr. Robert Corbin will be contesting for Leader of the PNCR and the missive by Mr. Alden Sargeant (Kaieteur News 20.05.09) signal that Mr. Corbin’s campaign has been on going for some time.
In his letter, Mr. Sergeant, while agreeing that anyone is free to run for any office, is calling on Dr. Van West Charles, a former Minister during the Burnham government, to tell the members what are his leadership skills and to outline his accomplishments during that period.
I am sure Dr. Van West Charles will do so and I hold no brief for him.

However I feel it is equally important that Mr. Sargeant and other members be reminded of Mr. Corbin’s recent impressive record breaking performance as Leader of the PNCR:-
1. He led the Party to its worst electoral defeat and as a result almost causing the party to fall below the magic percentage of 33 1/3.
The PNCR needs at least 33 1/3 percent to ensure that it is always relevant when there is a need or desire for changes in the constitution.

2. Within one year of his electoral embarrassment the membership of the Party rose to an unprecedented 23,000. This was so palpably padded that it made the PNCR the laughing stock of the region.
One year later the membership was under 1,500. This has cost the PNCR serious political capital and will affect its electoral chances once the architects, Corbin, Clarke and Norton, are still in the leadership of the PNCR.

3. The arms of the Party, the NCW and the GYSM, withered and died. The NCW failed to hold a Congress for over five years and the present GYSM national executive committee is defunct.
The GYSM National Chairman, Senior and Junior Vice Chairmen and two thirds of the executive elected at the last Congress all resigned. The fact that Corbin was forced to appoint his camera-man as chairman of the GYSM tells the whole story. The two arms have always been the backbone of the PNC. Corbin has now reduced the PNCR to an insect – no back bone.

4. He successfully negotiated with the PPP/C to pass the Recall Legislation which in his mind must have brought massive relief to members and supporters suffering under the effects of the 16% VAT.
5. He successfully negotiated and ensured that the Benefits for Opposition Leader Bill was passed and thereby giving Jagdeo an opportunity to pass a more that generous package for former Presidents while throwing in the long awaited pension for the widow of former President Mr. Desmond Hoyte for good measure.
Now I could go on but I will pause here to allow the members to digest Mr. Corbin’s track record.
However, I challenge Mr. Sargeant to name any former or present member/Minister of the PNC that could better this record.
Natasha Glenn