THREE key members of the Alliance For Change (AFC) have reportedly defected to A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) following irreconcilable differences about campaign strategies and party management. The members are Economist, Tarron Khemraj, businessman, Rab Mukraj and Political Science Professor, Asquith Rose, while former soldier Malcolm Harripaul, who had long switched allegiance to the APNU, has also been formally added to the list of defectors. 

This latest batch adds to the irrevocable resignation of Shamir Ally, a financier and lobbyist for the AFC, because of concerns over leadership approaches.

Rose has said that as many as 11 persons have decided to walk away from the AFC and according to him, several of them would go to APNU and the remainder back to the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan has expressed disappointment at the move, noting that while he was unaware of discontent in his party’s New York Chapter he was not informed about the decision by those members to walk away.

Nevertheless, Ramjattan said the AFC would continue its political work and in the near future reveal the names of new persons who would be joining its fold. 
Ramjattan related that the AFC has in excess of 10,000 persons, but stated that departure of these important persons would affect the party’s strength. 
APNU had released a statement recently announcing that the four New York-based members had recently held talks with party Leader, David Granger and Member of Parliament, Joseph Harmon. 
“The two sides examined the current economic, political and social situation in Guyana and concluded that a broad ‘pro-Guyana’ approach was needed to stimulate movement towards the attainment of their common objectives. They agreed to work together to build structures to improve governance, promote national unity and advance human development,” the release stated.