–all that’s left to be seen is how ‘impactful’ they were

THE protest actions yesterday in different parts of the country by members and supporters of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have been declared a success. “They were successful; what is left to be seen is how impactful the protest actions were on the Government and its decision making,” newly appointed Party General Secretary, Mr. Joseph Harmon.told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday.

‘The protests will continue until date for local government elections is set’ –APNU General Secretary, Joseph Harmon

According to him, APNU stands firm on educating the Guyanese people on their constitutional rights. “We are still engaged in the education process,” he said.

Harmon was firm in stating that APNU will continue to “agitate” for the hosting of local government elections.
“The protests will continue until date for local government elections is set,” he said, adding that the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) New York Chapter, which forms a major part of the APNU coalition, supported the protest in Guyana with similar actions in New York.
A small band of supporters held placards demanding local government elections, outside the Woodbine Ballroom in Brooklyn, New York, during a visit by President Donald Ramotar.
“Our supporters in our overseas Chapters understand the importance of the Government fulfilling its constitutional obligations and are strongly opposed to breaches of the Constitution,” Harmon said.

Yesterday’s protests followed the expiration of an ultimatum given to President Donald Ramotar by APNU Leader, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger.
Mr. Granger had called on the Head of State to set a date for local government elections before September 15 or face the “mobilization of national and international” support by the party to ensure the elections are hosted.
However, President Ramotar is holding fast to his position, in that he needs for Granger “to clarify what precisely” is his Party’s position before he can “properly respond” to his letter, since he, Granger, was saying one thing, and his Party another.
Before the ultimatum, the APNU had made clear its support for the Alliance For Change (AFC)’s no-confidence motion, which, if passed with majority support, could see Guyana heading to an early general elections.
In his reply, by letter, to Mr. Granger last Thursday, President Ramotar requested that the APNU Leader be specific as to what his Party wanted.
Local government elections have not been held in Guyana since 1994. Prior to that, local government elections were last held in 1970. Subsequent to 1994, the elections could not be conducted because of the coincidence with the general and regional elections of 1997. Additionally, the House passed the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2013, which states that elections must be held on or before August 1, 2014. The August date was made via an amendment to the Bill, proposed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), while the House was in Committee. However, this bill has not been assented to by the Head of State. (Vanessa Narine)