RETIRED Brigadier, David Granger has pledged to work towards overcoming the challenges that faced the Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR) over the last decade. He expressed this sentiment minutes after the announcement was made that he had emerged as leader of the PNCR early Monday morning at the party’s 17th Biennial Delegates Congress at the party’s headquarters at Congress Place.
Granger was announced winner after a lengthy delay, which was attributed to internal party matters.
Balloting started some five hours after the scheduled time as the Greenidge camp said that a number of persons who were registered as delegates were not on the list of electors.
Speaking to the media, Granger expressed gratitude to those who supported him and promised to bring about changes in the party, particularly with regard to the membership issue.
“We have a lot of work to do and I look forward to working with Mr. Greenidge in revitalising the party, to revitalise youth and women sections, to bring about the size of input of A Partnership For National Unity which the PNCR is capable of,” Granger told the media.
He said he will be inviting Greenidge and those who supported him in making his plans a reality.
He spoke of the economic reform plans, development programmes for youths and job creation plans which he will embark on.
Following the declaration of the elections, Granger made reference to a scripture from the Holy Bible, “A time for everything.” He told the delegates and observers that “this is a time for building and embracing,” adding that there is much work to be done.
Granger defeated former Finance Minister, Carl Greenidge, securing 512 votes to the latter’s 175. This publication was made to understand that there were no spoilt votes.
He thanked former leader of the PNCR, Robert Corbin for his years of stewardship as party leader.
He also expressed gratitude to Corbin for deciding not to run as the presidential candidate in the last elections and for the formation of APNU.
Further, he said that as a result of Corbin’s work, he now holds the Chairmanship of APNU and the Leader of the PNCR.
Granger also expressed gratitude to those who made the congress a success and extended his hand for Greenidge to join him in efforts to strengthen the unity of the party.
According to a release issued by the PNCR, ten more members of the Central Executive will be co-opted, five by the party leader, and five by the central executive committee respectively. However, this is likely to be done when the executive holds its first formal meeting.
Each of the regions is entitled to elect one representative to sit on the body, the highest authority of the party after the general council which meets quarterly.
Counting of the ballots for the executive members posts was done but the party says the results would be declared at a later date.
Incumbent Robert Corbin did not contest the post, instead opting to be eligible for the election to the party’s executive committee.
Basil Williams defeated incumbent Chairman Cammie Ramsaroop by 73; he copped 228 while Ramsaroop copped 155.
Williams election to the second highest post indicates that he can act as leader in the absence of Granger, this is in accordance with the PNCR constitution.
Other posts include Vice Chairpersons, which saw Members of Parliament, Volda Lawrence and Dr. George Norton assuming the position.
Member of Parliament, Ronald Bulkan was elected to serve as treasurer for the party.
Meanwhile, Granger’s election comes as a shock to many, since during the race for the Presidential Candidacy in 2011; he had said that he was not interested in the position of party leader.
In fact, Granger had expressed the view that the same person should not hold both offices.