The APNU/AFC Coalition in retrospect

Feb 07, 2020 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

The AFC had been a rapidly growing third force in Guyana’s political landscape since its formation. Born out of the disgruntled ranks of the PPP and APNU- Ramjattan and Trotman and fuelled by an equally disgruntled segment of the population on account of the increasing complacency of the PPP and the continuous failure of the APNU to inspire the confidence of a majority of the electorate to win an election against the PPP, the AFC quickly became a force to be reckoned with.
Whether by choice or intelligent design – in the evolution of the PNC from 1992 to APNU, the party was unable to shed what has been perceived as an inherent penchant to support violence at the end of every election cycle. This is the reason the party kept failing to make inroads beyond its clan of supporters.
In politics a party that cannot accept the will of the electorate and be good losers, squander their chances in future elections. It is a pivotal lesson the PNC component seems incapable of learning.
Failure of a party to condemn violence by its supporters is in essence viewed as initiating it. Such actions would only serve to further polarize the nation and alienate possibly would be supporters.
The lack of initiative by the PPP in persevering with a clueless presidential candidate saw the APNU/AFC Coalition achieving a marginal victory in 2015. Has the Coalition done anything indicative of improving on that margin? I think not. After five years, with all the Constitutional violations, unjust tax regimes, corruption and lack of economic perspective, the electorate worst fears have been confirmed. Some people are of the belief that the Coalition is clueless and only interested in the” good life” for themselves.
The actions of the AFC leaders in the Coalition was shocking to their supporters. While the public had supplied 14000 signatures in their outcry against the vat on private education in 2017, not a word of solidarity had emanated from any of the AFC leaders.
Not once in the five years had they tried to initiate anything in the form of policy, in the name or ideals of the AFC. In reality they became nothing more than the power drunk cabal that they had associated themselves with.
Nagamootoo gleefully accepted less than he had bargained for through the Herdmanston Accord. Ramjattan adopted the mentality of a tyrant when he supported the idea that anyone posting anything negative about the government on the internet should be guilty of sedition, and announcing on TV in Berbice after the NCM that the Coalition have a majority of 4 to 3 in GECOM – having previously supported the unilateral appointment of Patterson to chair GECOM by Granger. Whether for personal gain or otherwise- Trotman signed the most atrocious oil contract on the planet for Guyana and Patterson spent millions more on the Airport for less infrastructure than was originally bargained for by the PPP in the Airport contract. Holder went MIA in the Ministry of Agriculture. The list goes on, save for the heroic feat of Charrandass who voted against the Coalition in the NCM.
The truth be told, the performance or lack thereof of the AFC leaders in the Coalition has reduced the AFC to an illusion – the support base is gone and justifiably so. Only the foot soldiers of the AFC remain, and out of shame, having faced the populace in their communities, sought support for the party. I understand your disappointment, I have been there. We all had hoped for better. I “urge” you brethren. Do what is right for your conscience and country on March 2nd. Ask the Auditor General, status quo was never this bad!

Rudolph Singh

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