AFC surprised by former GS’s resignation

Feb 13, 2015 News

The resignation of former General Secretary (GS) of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Sixtus Edwards,

Former AFC General Secretary, Sixtus Edwards

has come as a surprise to executive members of the party. This was disclosed yesterday at the AFC’s press conference held in the Campbell Room of the Georgetown Club.
Parliamentarian Cathy Hughes told media operatives that Edwards has been a valuable member of the AFC and the party is “very, very sorry to see him go.”The politician said that Edwards submitted his letter of resignation which mentioned that he was leaving for personal reasons.
Hughes expressed that the Party is aware that in the last two to three years, Edwards has been focusing on his education as well as his business. However, as with any political institution, “especially one dealing with the issue of a possible alliance,” Hughes said that for various reasons, members may not always be on the same footing and may not always agree on the same approach.
“He has mentioned that it is personal reasons and we take that at face value, and we thank him for his invaluable service. We will continue to have a relationship with him,” she added.
Asked if his departure could possibly be premised on the AFC’s ongoing alliance talks with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Hughes answered in the negative. She said that this was not the case as far as she is aware.
The AFC member was then pressed to consider that if that is the case, why even bother to make any reference to its current pro-democracy negotiations with APNU.
She explained that such mention was made because she knows the media has a tendency to try to suggest that when persons leave, it is because of some discord. Hughes emphasised that this is not the case with Edwards’ departure.
She then referred to other members the party would have lost either by their own free will or through illness. However, the politician said that a member being able to leave of their own volition is all part of their democratic principles. She added that it is part of life and ultimately part of growth.
AFC Vice Chairman, Moses Nagamootoo also disclosed that he and Edwards shared cordial relations and was not aware of the specific reason for his departure. He recalled seeing the Former General Secretary at the AFC’s Biennial Conference, of which he was a part.
However, the lawyer said that as far as he is concerned, Edwards’ resignation came as a surprise and is considered a loss for the AFC.