THE GUYANA Youth and student Movement- the youth arm of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has rejected calls for the downsizing of Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, saying that it is standing resolutely in support of President David Granger.The GYSM said the political landscape of Guyana has been transformed with the advancement of coalition politics – a political goal that the PNCR has aspired to from its genesis, and to which the party and its members remain committed today. According to the organisation, the greatest asset that the coalition possesses is its willingness to work together, to see the transformation of Guyana and the realisation of the promise of a ‘Good Life for all Guyanese’.

However, the organisation said it is somewhat disheartening to note some of the recent utterances by factions within the coalition, as it relates to miscommunication and misgivings internally. “The marriage which we all witnessed on February 14, 2015 introduced a breath of fresh air to the people of our country. Our country, which was rescued from dissension and impoverishment through the incompetence of the PPPC over the last two decades, now stands to gain tremendously as we reaffirm the commitment that the days of one party rule came to an end on May 11 2015,” the GYSM said.

The GYSM further added that the achievements of the APNU+AFC coalition to date are far greater in comparison to the challenges that it faces, and pivotal to these achievements and the country’s continued revival are the duties and powers of the Office of the Minister of State. “This is why we fervently reject calls for any so-called stripping of the powers of the said office. The GYSM therefore stand firmly behind the decision of His Excellency and the authorities he has vested in the Office of the Minister of State.”

The youth movement said too that it recognises that the single greatest threat which the APNU+AFC coalition faces is the constant attacks by the PPPC, whose primary objective is to see its failure. “No effort is being spared as the opposition contrives and executes dastardly plans; manipulating facts and misleading its supporters in an effort to stir up strife and insight unrest in our country. Even amid perceived controversy the APNU+AFC Coalition remains strong. And, the GYSM will spare no effort in ensuring that the interest of Guyanese people remains on the front burner as we move forward steadfastly with a unified front.”

On Sunday, leaders of the Alliance For Change (AFC), a key ally in the coalition Government, at a retreat to review the party’s performance, stated that the current difficulties which the Government has encountered in the continuing revelations arising out of the appointment of the Advisor on Business Development and the related issues have their roots in the concentration of the powers of the office of the Cabinet Secretary, the Minister of State in the Ministry of the Presidency, and the effective Head of the Presidential Secretariat in a single person.

“The responsibilities of each of the above portfolios are substantial and of critical importance to the smooth operations of the Government, and would benefit from separate appointments.

“The Alliance For Change has mandated its leadership in Cabinet to have these issues raised and addressed as a matter of national importance. “The AFC is committed to responsible and transparent governance, and looks forward to the conclusion of the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and the application of same,” the party had said in a statement.

The AFC also reiterated its commitment to the Coalition Government, while recognising that the principles of good governance, transparency and equal opportunities are fundamental to the success of the coalition. The party also said that the report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the death of Dr Walter Rodney should be released to his family, and that the party supports its early release to the public. The AFC is also of the view that the report affords the country an opportunity to address a difficult period of its history, and hopes that the report forms the basis for national healing and reconciliation.

The coalition member is also of the view that the series of audit reports into apparent irregularities in various Government agencies should be supplemented by a review, with the use of experienced independent international forensic auditors, and thereafter be submitted to high quality external professional, independent legal advice with a view to proceeding to prosecution where warranted.