CHALLENGER Dr. Richard Van West-Charles has sharply criticised incumbent Mr. Robert Corbin’s leadership of the main opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and may link with other contender and party stalwart, Mr. Winston Murray to dethrone Corbin.

Murray is among five nominees running against Corbin in party elections at this weekend’s PNCR biennial congress.

A press statement from Van West-Charles’ camp yesterday said Murray will be at a press briefing he is due to hold today.

Van West-Charles, a son-in-law of PNCR founder-leader and late President Forbes Burnham, said it was clear that “there is need for a new leader who can motivate party members at all levels to give their best effort.”

He charged that it was “undeniable that over the last five years our party suffered precipitous diminution which has affected its ability to effectively fulfill its mandate.”

“The steady departure of talented and established leaders from the ranks of the party has now reached crisis proportions and is resulting in disconnect between the party and its constituency.  Over this period there have been several changes in the leadership team giving support to the Leader but the problem still persists”, he said.

Van West-Charles denied claims that his seeking the leadership of the PNCR will result in dividing the party and sowing confusion in its ranks.

He said he is seeking to reunite and strengthen the party which is seriously divided and weakened.

He has raised questions about the transparency of the electoral process for the congress and yesterday said the strengthening of the internal democracy of the party will make it easier to access the kind of talent needed to ensure that it can be reenergised and rebuilt along the lines that made it the formidable force it has been.

“At two recent retreats of the party it was affirmed that the party must attract talented, competent and committed people to prepare it for the challenges of the 21st century. I am merely seeking to initiate and deepen this process, which can only result in the strengthening of our Party. Surely this cannot be a problem for those of us who want a united, strong and prosperous PNCR. This is a necessary political asset”, he proffered.

“I am prepared to and will abide by the decisions of the Congress. My love and commitment for this party is not limited to an election result”, he offered.

Others nominated for the post of party leader are Dr. Aubrey Armstrong, Aubrey Norton and Basil Williams.

Corbin has been dogged by leadership in-fighting and charges of rigging party elections with Norton claiming he was last month manoeuvred out of the post as Chairman of the Georgetown district, a charge Corbin has denied.

The Biennial Delegates Congress tomorrow and Saturday is the highest decision making forum of the party and the theme is “People’s Victory Through Local Democracy.”

The PNCR said more than 1800 delegates and observers from 217 party groups, nine overseas groups and 27 youth groups are expected to participate.