RECENT exodus of Alliance For Change (AFC) members from the party has shown a disappointment in the decision made by the party leaders to form a coalition with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

During the 2 ½ years of courtship in Parliament, Moses Nagamootoo and the AFC denied ever having wedding plans. It was not until their nuptial night, which coincides with St. Valentine’s Day, that they disclosed that they would be a part of, what Guyanese would call, ‘business wedding’.
The disgruntled former members stated they were not informed of the decision and highlighted that the party had internal crises prior to the bonding. It was highlighted that there was mismanagement of funds and unaccounted spending. $21M was found to be unaccounted for in the party’s budget and it leaves one to wonder if the AFC gave the APNU that sum as ‘a dowry’.
The members have also said that leaders displayed undemocratic conduct. The sudden rise of Nagamootoo has raised allegations of cronyism within the AFC. The elections of the party were also reportedly rigged by the current party leaders. Mr. Balwant Persaud, a former AFC member, said in an interview, “But recently, the AFC has deceived the members of the party by aligning with the APNU… the AFC’s Executives are just selfish … the leaders of the AFC are just concerned about getting into Parliament and holding positions”.
I would like the AFC’s supporters and the APNU supporters to examine the nature of this marriage that has taken place. This marriage is not a marriage out of love and mutual respect. The marriage we have seen here is a ‘business wedding’. It turns out that “Guyana’s political Romeo and Juliet” is not a story of true love. If their supporters have any decency they would abandon this sinking ship like Mr. Sixtus Edwards and Mr. Balwant Persaud did.

DARREN CLEMENTSON