–reiterates unequivocal commitment to Party

MERE days after tendering his resignation, Alliance For Change (AFC) Chairman, Nigel Hughes has decided to take a leave of absence, a statement from the party noted yesterday. The decision, the Guyana Chronicle has learnt, was taken at a high-level meeting involving Party Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, Party General Secretary, David Patterson, and Hughes.
According to the statement, during the meeting at reference, detailed and frank discussions were held on the current political environment in Guyana, but more particularly the coalition government’s first year in office and the AFC’s performance during this period.
“After a most productive working session, it was agreed that Chairman Hughes’s resignation will not take effect at this time, and he will instead proceed on a leave of absence from the duties and responsibilities of Chairman for a period of reflection and review, after which a mutual decision will be taken,” the statement noted.
This newspaper understands that besides reiterating his unequivocal commitment to the AFC and its development agenda for the country, Hughes has also given his word that he will remain an active and vocal member of the Party.
It was further agreed that during the interregnum of his absence from active duties as Chairman, he will continue political and policy work on behalf of the AFC by concentrating his efforts on three critical and important pillars of the AFC’s agenda, namely: Constitutional Reform, Broadcast Legislation, and other core legal matters, which the AFC has committed itself to.
Said the Party, “The leadership of the AFC wholeheartedly recognises the significant contribution of the Chairman of the Party, and accepts his decision to recalibrate his focus and attention at this time, as the Party continues its historic mission on setting Guyana on a firm and steady path of sustained progress.”
Hughes announced his resignation on Monday last, after the AFC issued a statement, calling for Minister of State, Joseph Harmon to be stripped of some of his powers.
Harmon is currently embroiled in a bitter controversy surrounding his appointment of controversial businessman, Brian ‘BK’ Tiwarie as his personal adviser on business.
President Granger subsequently rescinded Tiwarie’s appointment, noting that there is no need for BK’s services.
Harmon reportedly appointed Tiwarie to the post unknown to either the President or other Cabinet members.