…tells party members to stay home today
MEMBERS of the David Granger led ‘A Party for National Unity’ (APNU), yesterday intensified their protest action against the results of the November 28 general and regional elections with a mid-morning rally at the Square of the Revolution, followed by a peaceful march through the streets of Georgetown, culminating outside the Guyana Elections Commission in Kingston.
Conducted under the guidance of police traffic and other ranks, the parade of energetic and mostly youthful protesters, on leaving the Square of the Revolution, marched north along Vlissengen Road, then into Irving Street before turning west into Lamaha Street and north into Kingston.
Meanwhile, APNU leader Granger and Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, Prime Ministerial candidate who both addressed the rally at the Square of the Revolution, expressed qualms about the results of the elections, which Mr. Granger blames squarely on GECOM. They both urged their members to remain calm and keep focused, allowing the leadership to do what they have to do.
The leaders also called on their supporters to make today a day of rest by staying at home.
Dr. Roopnarine, referring to the membership of APNU as a ‘force to be reckoned with’, said that, in the days to come, as the political process develops, the Party needs them to stay strong. “We need you to stay mobilized and we need you to stay disciplined…You came out on Monday, and showed them that you are a force to be reckoned with.”
Meanwhile, calling on the people to be even more watchful, Dr. Roopnarine said that word is being pedaled that there is a security crisis in Guyana when, in fact, it is a political crisis.  He blamed the Elections Commission for trying to provoke a security crisis on Thursday, but said stoutly that the membership of APNU does not intend to put itself in any conflict with their sisters and brothers in uniform, who went out and cast their vote willingly for APNU. “We want to ensure that in any activity that we promote – whether we are marching… we want to be very clear in our objectives,” Dr. Roopnarine stressed.
Roopnarine, referring to APNU as a party that cuts across racial and ethnic barriers, underscored the message of racial unity, urging those assembled to desist from harbouring any attitude of ethnic grievances or hostility, while building bonds of friendship and love with those who do not look like them, regardless of who they voted for.  He also urged the gathering to stay focused, and called on them to recognize those who are out to attack them, and keep firm against their oppressors.
He lauded the warmth and camaraderie existing within the party, which, he said, he personally experienced.
“I salute you for all of the love you showed in APNU’s campaigning. I have never been more proud,” he said, urging them to continue to behave in a manner as would cause others to want to join them.
He also touched on APNU’s agenda and what’s in it for the masses of the people.
The agenda includes returning of the National Communications Network (NCN) to the people; the holding of local government elections within the first six months of the year; improved standards of living for communities now neglected; and taking a principled stand against discrimination and victimization.
Granger, who continued to urge peace, took a principled stand that he is calling for a verification of the statements of polls in relation to the results of the general and regional elections, adding that any confusion or misrepresentation that came about could only be blamed on the Guyana Elections Commission.
“I am saying we will not be satisfied until the verification is done.  The struggle will continue until all Guyanese can live a better life,” he vowed.
Granger said that, by GECOM’s own calculation, more than half of the people of this nation do not want to continue under the leadership of the present government.
Meanwhile, Ms. Lurlene Nestor, the first speaker to take the podium, told those present, “Comrades, we are saying we have a political crisis, but I want to say to you that a political crisis needs a political solution, so they [the ruling Party] had better come and talk about the political solution.”
Nestor stressed that the young people have grown fed up, and are now saying that this crisis has gone past APNU, and that they are ready to take matters in their hands.
“It’s not about David Granger anymore, it’s about me and you, about your children, and we will say no more!”  Assuring them that their votes have not gone in vain, she said that APNU will be watching over them.