Change is a necessary process for development and transformation of the PNCR

Aug 20, 2009 Letters

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Dear Editor,
Come August 21st and 22nd our Party will be holding its 16th Biennial Congress. At this juncture, the challenges of our country are grave.
The criminalization of the State, crippling crisis in Governance, violation in human rights including torture and discrimination against our comrades and fellow citizens are but a few of the issues we must reorganise to confront. This is only possible through a unified and strong party.
At this Congress, an important decision related to our reorganisation and reunification is the election of a new Leader. Consequently, it is necessary that I address the circumstances surrounding the election of the Leader of the PNCR at Congress.
First, it is the right of any member of the party to contest for any post in the party. I do not believe that the great leaders of the past who framed our constitution would have provided for this if they believed it would have led to confusion and the splitting of the party.
Those who argue along these lines have clearly misunderstood the intent of the constitution and question the wisdom of the leaders and framers who crafted the constitution.
Second, unless I am wrong, and I do not believe that I am, the idea was to use internal democracy and healthy competition as a means of strengthening and periodically reenergizing the Party.
I write against the background of the not so subtle rumours that my seeking the leadership of the PNCR will result in dividing the party and sowing confusion in our ranks. This is irresponsible and deceitful, and those who are peddling these rumours know it.

Let me ask you these questions! Would it make sense for my wife Roxanne and I to destroy a party that her father, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, spent his life building?
Would it make sense for me to destroy the only organisation that is capable of preventing the PPP/C from visiting greater hardship on our people, in the form of racism, discrimination, corruption, mismanagement and the unfettered operations of the drug trade and related criminality? On the contrary, I seek to reunite and strengthen our Party which is seriously divided and weaken at the moment.
It may be worthwhile to repeat what I have always said. The strengthening of the internal democracy of the party will make it easier to access the kind of talent needed to ensure that it can be re-energized and rebuilt along the lines that made it the formidable force it has been. At two recent retreats of the party it was affirmed that the party must attract talented, competent and committed people to prepare it for the challenges for the 21st century.
I am merely seeking to initiate and deepen this process, which can only result in the strengthening of our Party. Surely this cannot be a problem for those of us who want a united, strong and prosperous PNCR. This is a necessary political asset.
My commitment to equity, fairness and justice is principled. I am prepared to and will abide by the decisions of the Congress. My love and commitment for this party is not limited to an election result.
I have been serving our party in different capacities over the years and will continue to serve in accordance with the wishes of the membership.

This is why I believe our Party must ensure that the democratic processes enshrined in our constitution, of which transparency is a hallmark, are upheld.
We face formidable challenges in this country. We have to put the economy to right. We have to find means of employing our youth and prevent them from getting involved in non productive activities. We have to put an end to racism. We have to protect the poor and vulnerable. And most of all we have to put an end to the situation in which the PPP/C Regime believes that this land belongs to them. We must all be engaged in the struggle to make Guyana what it can and must be! An enlightened, racially harmonious and productive society, in which, all of our citizens can realise their potential. I believe I possess the vision, national and international experience and skills necessary to work collaboratively to bring about this transformation.
It is undeniable that over the last five years our Party suffered precipitous diminution which has affected its ability to effectively fulfill its mandate. The steady departure of talented and establish leaders from the ranks of the Party has now reached crisis proportions and is resulting in disconnect between the Party and its constituency. Over this period there have been several changes in the leadership team giving support to the Leader, but the problem still persists.

It is now clear that there is need for a new Leader who can motivate Party members at all levels to give their best effort. We must reunite and rebuild our Party.
This is why I have accepted nominations for the office of Party Leader. The agenda I will pursue, I believe, is attractive and open to all of our members. My leadership will reunite the Party, re-engage disenchanted and disgruntled former members, and attract new and exciting talents from all sections and strata of our society. Under my leadership, the Party will garner and make available to our Regions and Districts the resources for them to effectively execute the work of rebuilding the Party in the shortest possible time. In one year, we will ensure that the Party is fully re-energized in preparation for the 2011 Regional and National Elections.
However, immediately after Congress we will focus, with urgency, on the Party’s ability to represent the issues now confronting the Guyanese people. We will take the fight to the PPP/C everywhere using every form of political action. We will up the ante to ensure that Roger Khan’s collaborators in government are dealt with according to law. We will take our message to fraternal parties in the Caribbean and to Governments and Donor Agencies, both regionally and internationally so as to isolate the PPP/C Government.

I am confident that with new and robust leadership and a united Party we will convince the Guyanese people we are serious about transforming and modernizing our Party and we will reap the benefits in 2011. We must demonstrate that we are prepared to be bold and responsive to the sentiments of our constituents. We have listened to the concerns and frustrations of our members and supporters about our party’s inaction with respect to representation.
The clarion message emanating from our constituency and all other Guyanese is that there is urgent need for us to change Leadership, reform and modernize now or risk losing them to other parties in 2011. We cannot allow emotions and personal agenda’s to put our party at risk. I wish to urge all members of our Party and in particular those delegates attending this 16th Biennial Congress to act decisively for change and transformation. Change is a necessary process for development and transformation of our Party.
It is only through constant and dynamic changes can the dreams of our Founder Leader, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, be achieved. In our hands lay the destiny of our Party. Let us seize the moment now. I stand ready.
Richard Van West Charles

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