I will restore PNCR’s former glory – Granger

Jul 25, 2014 News

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–    Solomon promises “tough decisions”

By Abena Rockcliffe
As he admitted that the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R) has been somewhat weakened by the formation of

the Alliance For Change, the party’s incumbent leader, David Granger said that he is convinced that his headship is what the party needs to be nursed back to its full strength.
This, Granger emphasised yesterday during an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News, centred on the 18th Biennial Congress slated to commence today.
Granger, who retained the leadership position of the PNC/R over the last two years, is now in competition with former General Secretary Aubrey Norton and Region 10 Chairman, Sharma Solomon.
Solomon’s involvement in the contest to find the best man for the position has been on shaky ground, and there is no known reason why. It is not fully clear whether he has dropped out of the race. But since he has not officially told the party anything, Kaieteur News understands that his name will remain on the ballot.
On Tuesday last, the party announced the names of those who were contesting for the leadership position, and Solomon was named. He subsequently sent out a statement informing of his plans should he assume leadership of the party.
In that missive, Solomon stated that it would be a “humbling experience to serve the people at a larger scale.”
He opined that he had a very good chance of being elected based on feedback. He said that “people are ripe for change, both in the party and outside of the party.”
The young politician said that he intends to lead by example if he is elected.
He said he would respect the PNC Constitution and the rights of the people as well as engage in consultative decision-making that respects their involvement.
Solomon noted that he would support a no-confidence motion and it should be done “swiftly and decisively”.  ”After so many years of poor governance, what more chances do they need?  Tough decisions have got to be made.”
Solomon said he would like to see a scenario where the relationship between the PNC and the APNU is under constant review as “APNU is a partnership and the continuation of the partnership rests in its ability to achieve the goals and objectives that led to its formation.
“The PNC as the leading partner has a responsibility to ensure that its interests are served not to the detriment of the minority but consistent with the needs of the party and the people.”
He said he would also want to address “racial polarisation.”
Solomon noted that “the people have given the opposition the majority in parliament and this majority must be used to put pressure on the government to manage the affairs of government in the interest of the nation’s people”.
It will be used to galvanise local and international support for respect for the Constitution and the will of the people.  Power when gained must be used effectively. We are yet to see this applied consistently with the one-seat majority.”
“It is the people who would have recognized my ability and they who have placed me on the nomination list for various positions and I will be discussing the positions advanced with them to confirm the position(s) that will pursued,” Solomon said.
Meanwhile, Granger said that he is confident in the support of the majority of members in the party. According to him, over the last two years, he visited all 10 Regions and listened to the concerns of members and has since addressed those concerns in a manner that he views effective.
The politician was asked to address claims of him being relatively “soft” hence not suited for politics especially in a political climate such as Guyana’s.
Granger responded that Guyana’s present political climate requires statesmanship hence, his involvement in a partnership that is committed to national unity.

“People want to see a leader of national appeal as opposed to one of partisan appeal…so it is not a question of being soft.”
WORKING FOR THE GREATER GOOD
Granger said that when all is said and done he is willing to work with all members of his party for the greater good of Guyana. The party leader said that he would be equally willing to work with Aubrey Norton as he worked with all those who ran against him during the last Congress. He pointed out that both Carl Greenidge and James Bond were given seats in parliament.
Granger refuted claims of him ignoring Norton and what he has to offer the party. The politician said he never sidelined his comrade.
Asked specifically if there was any major reason why Norton was not selected to serve as a Member of Parliament during the 10th parliament, Granger responded, “We will always have to make choices.” He pointed out that Norton has served before as an MP as well as the Party’s General Secretary during the time of the late President Desmond Hoyte.
Kaieteur News asked the politician for a little insight as to what he would do differently once re-elected, Granger said that he would place a greater amount of attention on strengthening the party’s membership in doing outreaches in areas that aren’t strongholds.
He added that he would also like to expand the role of the PNC in APNU and said he plans to advocate for PNC members to do more to strengthen the three-year-old coalition.
Granger said that his theme for this Congress would be National Unity. He said that he has given up on winner-take-all politics/exclusionary politics and is now clinging to the inclusionary approach.
Granger also said that he has inclinations to support the no-confidence motion but still needs to see the text.

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