…says “it’s not about Joe but the quality of leadership needed

MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon believes that he is the best candidate running for chairmanship of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and has called on Lindeners to rally around him.

Harmon will challenge his other two colleagues, Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence and incumbent chairman, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Basil Williams for the post. Harmon hosted a PNCR members meeting which was held at the New Silvercity Secondary School on Sunday afternoon in Linden. About 500 residents and officials were present at the meeting; while all were not PNCR members, Harmon took the opportunity to tell them about his reason for contesting the post.

Supporting his campaign strongly was Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes, Minsiter within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson and Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira, who organised the meeting.

While not making public where her support lies, Minister within the Ministry of Communities Valarie Patterson-Yearwood was also present along with other Region 10 PNCR officials such as Chairman Deron Adams. Harmon in his speech reiterated that the PNCR is the most organised, systematic and democratic party, which is followed by a constitution and in the constitution lies the need for a biannual democratic renewal. He said this was the vision of the founder of the party Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and that vision continues to be recognised by present leader President David Granger.

Harmon urged Lindeners to become members of the party since it allows them to have a say in who their leaders are. Lindeners, he said, would have stood by the party even in trying times and therefore Linden is known as the bedrock of the PNCR. The PNCR members in the audience began to chant: “Harmon for Chairman,” even drowning Harmon’s voice at some points.

Harmon then spoke of how he would have served as campaign manager for the APNU in both the 2011 and 2015 elections. He would have taken the time to unify the regional party front, which at that time was divided. He believes that the APNU, in which the PNCR is the major party, would have won in 2011. “I believe we won that elections, I believe we get robbed,” he said. The very same qualities he would have portrayed during that time will be used in an even stronger force, if he is elected Chairman, he reasoned. “I am offering myself to be the Chairman of the party, is not just about Joe Harmon, but it is about the quality of leadership that I believe we have to get going forward,” he posited.
Harmon said that he will work along with and promote the visions of his leader President David Granger whom he believes is the best leader in Guyana. The vision he said, addresses the conditions of our women, youths and unification of our people. “When elected I will work with whatever you the people decide will be on the central executive of the party, whomever you decide, I am prepared to work with, but more importantly, I am prepared to work with and promote the vision of our leader Brigadier Arthur Granger.” The Minister of State said that his running for Chairmanship came after being urged and motivated by various persons who would have commended him for his leadership skills and he would have therefore accepted. He believes he has a strong chance of winning.
Also urging Lindeners to vote for Harmon was Minister Ferguson who reminded Linden of their importance to the party, while remaining confident that the residents will continue to not only throw their support at the upcoming congress but at the 2020 elections. Minister Broomes said that she is confident that Harmon is the best candidate for the position and is therefore supporting him. “I am here for party chairman business and I am going with the best candidate and the best candidate is Joseph Harmon…so make sure you get on board on the Harmon’s train today.”

Prior to Minister Harmon’s meeting, both Minister Volda Lawrence and Minister Basil Williams would have held meetings in Linden over the last two week in their campaigning for chairman ship.