A POSSIBLE merge of the Alliance For Change (AFC) with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) could be determined by the “confidential” talks between the two parties, according to APNU’s General Secretary, Mr. Joseph Harmon.“A merger could be determined by the conversation we will have. There is a possibility there. I think the Guyanese people will want to see any arrangement that put the PPP (People’s Progressive Party) out of office,” he said.

Harmon stressed that moving forward, in the interest of the Guyanese people, is the primary consideration of APNU.

“We have to look at it optimistically and see what is best for the Guyanese people,” he said.

His comments come even as he reiterated that the Coalition is still to sign on to AFC’s proposal for “confidential” talks – a proposal that has been in its possession since December, 2014. “The Shadow Cabinet has not met for the year yet, but we will consider it (AFC’s proposal) very soon,” he told the Chronicle in an invited comment.

Additionally, Harmon’s disclosure comes on the heels of similar contentions being expressed by General Secretary of the PPP, Mr. Clement Rohee.

AFC, over the weekend, disclosed that it is prepared to hold talks with APNU on condition that the discussions remain confidential.
“We don’t intend to negotiate an agreement within the public space, and therefore will not be commenting further on this matter until there is a substantive announcement to be made,” AFC General Secretary, David Patterson said in a statement.
Patterson explained that, during a recently held meeting, the AFC had tabled a non-disclosure agreement for APNU to review.
“The AFC tabled a non-disclosure agreement for review and signing by the APNU with the clear understanding that, on the return of the signed document, the AFC would release to APNU (its) draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which would form the template for our negotiations,” Patterson said.
The AFC’s position, as articulated over the weekend, comes on the heels of statements made by APNU Leader, Brigadier (Rtd.) David Granger, in which he disclosed that there have been no substantial discussions with the AFC to date.