–PNCR chairman calls on coalition Gov’t to deliver on election campaign promises

PEOPLE’S National Congress Reform (PNCR) Chairman Basil Williams yesterday called on the APNU+AFC coalition Government to deliver on its election campaign promise of ‘A Good Life for all Guyanese’.“Now we must govern this nation of ours for all Guyanese!” he told the packed-to-capacity audience gathered at PNCR Headquarters, Congress Place, for the hosting of the party’s 19th Biennial Delegates Congress.

Williams, whose tenure as PNCR Chairman has been unopposed, reminded those present that while on the campaign trail in the run-up to the May 2015 general elections, the APNU+AFC (A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change) coalition, of which the PNCR is a major stakeholder, had promised jobs; education; entrepreneurial opportunities; and the right to happiness, peace and security — a mandate it is now bound to fulfill.

THE RIGHT CHOICE
He also reminded party supporters in particular that the PNCR had made the right choice by being part of the coalition.

“Comrades, at this, our 19th Biennial Delegates Congress, I am pleased to announce that we made the right turn with Brigadier David Arthur Granger and our coalition partners, APNU+AFC, on May 11, 2015, and secured the opportunity,” Williams, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, said.

He also said this year’s congress is being held at a significant juncture in that party’s history, because it is the first time in 23 years that the PNC Leader is also President of the country.

“It is also the first time in 52 years that the Prime Minister in these hallowed halls is from another party…. This is, without question, a good augury,” he declared.

He, however, warned that as a party within the coalition Government, the nature of the PNCR’s approach to its business and operations must ensure change, in that it must be seen as being supportive of, and being the eyes and ears of, the Government.

He also stressed the importance of the party being “on the ground at the grass roots and all reaches of the society.”

FIT FOR THE ROLE
Williams reminded supporters that President David Granger, the unopposed leader of the party, had introduced two major plans to ensure the party is fit for its supportive role. Those plans are the Declaration of Vreed-en-Hoop and the Plan of Action of Regional Development (PARD).

“The increased membership and ‘Congress Houses’ throughout the regions,” he said, “are but just some of the manifestations that these exhortations of the Leader are taken seriously.”

He advised that, in the next biennium, it is crucial for the party to continue with the mandate of the coalition Government — to remove divisions between the coast and the hinterland, as well as to make Guyana a better country; where there is respect for the Rule of Law, constitution and institutions; the doctrine of the Separation of Powers; and the Independence of the Government, Legislature and the Judiciary.

Williams also saluted those who had struggled with the party over the years but are no longer alive to see the progress of the party. He called on supporters to “be strong and of good courage.”