…Williams confirms seeking re-election as PNCR chair
…heartened by support from membership

INCUMBENT chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Basil Williams, SC., has confirmed that he is seeking re-election for the post, noting that the team that took the party after 23 years into office needs to complete its work.

He said the country is at an important historical juncture which requires tested, tried and proven hands to finish the work of delivering to the Guyanese people.

“As the incumbent chairman, I am heartened by the solid support that has been given for my re-election as chairman of the PNCR by receiving the majority of the nominations by party groups throughout Guyana,” said the PNCR chairman.

He explained that based on the nominations received, he is leading in Regions Two, Five, Six, Nine, 10 and Georgetown. He has also received considerable nominations on the East Coast of Demerara, Region Four and in other regions.

Williams is challenging his party colleagues Joseph Harmon and Volda Lawrence in the bid to hold on to the party’s chairmanship. Harmon in May had signalled his interest to be the chairman of the party when he announced his candidacy for the position.

“I bring years of experience as a member of the party and I am also someone with experience of managing large organisations,” Harmon had said. If elected at the PNCR Biennial Delegates’ Congress, he intends to work closely with and support the vision of the leader of the party.

Subsequently, Minister of Public Health Lawrence announced her candidacy for the party’s chairmanship at the end of June. In the party, she is a member of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and heads the Human Services and Welfare Department of the PNCR.
Meanwhile, when asked about his support in the diaspora, Williams said in North America, which includes the Atlanta Group, Washington DC PNCR group and the Miami PNCR, he is receiving significant support. He is also upbeat about picking up some nominations in Canada and from other groups in the US.

“This shows widespread support and is testimony to the work that I have been doing throughout the years and more recently as chairman,” said Williams, who is also the country’s attorney general.

Williams, who was twice elected chairman and vice-chairman of his party, said he has made steady progress through the ranks of the PNCR, starting out as a member of the central executive. He joined the party as a youngster and has had the privilege of working with all the leaders of the PNC from Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, Hugh Desmond Hoyte, Robert Corbin and now President David Granger. Additionally, Williams said he worked closely with former Prime Minister Hamilton Green and served as legal assistant to two presidents while in his early 30s.

DEBATE
Williams just over a month ago had challenged his colleagues, Ministers of State and Public Health, Joseph Harmon and Volda Lawrence respectively, to an internal debate, but with the congress one week away he does not foresee the debate materialising.

Asked why he has called for a debate, Williams told the Guyana Chronicle that it is important that the membership has some insight into whether those nominated for posts are fit and proper.

He strongly believes that members need to have “an appreciation for the quality, attributes and capacity for the post of chairman.”

Meanwhile, Williams said as chairman of the party, it is his role to chair important forums of the party including the Central Executive and the General Council.

He stated that many persons might not be au fait with the rules of the party as based on the constitution, all the powers are vested in the leader, but Williams made it clear that decisions are largely made by consensus, noting all projects have to come to the party Central Executive for ratification.

GENUINE LEADER
The incumbent party chairman described himself as “a chairman with a difference,” as he has represented many persons in his career as an attorney.

“The Rodney inquiry, Linden killing inquiry… I represented scores of young persons who were thrown into jail by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on several trumped-up charges. Numerous inquests into extra-judicial killings including the Mandela Avenue Trio, Donna Mckinnon, who was killed outside of Freedom House, Shaka Blair, Donna Herod and treason accused Mark Benschop,” Williams said, while noting that he was in the struggle during his “party’s long night in opposition” and represented the party in all election petition cases.

His noted that stellar representation continued even after taking office as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs back in 2015, while pointing to “when the opposition sought to block ministers Keith Scott and Winston Felix from sitting in the National Assembly.”
Williams cited too, recently, the case where attempts were made by the PPP to have private charges laid against ministers Volda Lawrence, Dr. George Norton, David Patterson, Rupert Roopnaraine and Winston Jordan. He said it was representation through his office that prevented the private charges from continuing against them.

Additionally, the PNCR chairman believes that his work “in preventing former president Bharrat Jagdeo from seeking a third term through the landmark CCJ ruling” is also noteworthy.

“As a party in government we have to play a critical role in providing the philosophy for governmental action,” Williams told the Guyana Chronicle. He said in the cut and thrust of politics in Guyana, he sees himself as the most experienced and has had overwhelming successes against any manoeuvring by the opposition.

Meanwhile, on the cusp of the party observing the 33rd death anniversary of its founder-leader, Williams is recommitting to work for his party. He said: “The coalition promised Guyanese the good life and it would be remiss of me to abandon that responsibility. I want to be there to ensure we deliver on our promise.”

Williams observed that President Granger was “the right man” to lead the coalition into government and should be allowed to continue for his full two terms. He noted that President Granger himself has had a long period of service in defence and representation of the PNCR, a standard to which he subscribed.

As the time draws near for the much anticipated 20th Biennial Delegates Congress of the PNCR, slated for August 17 to 19, Williams said he will continue speaking to party members across the country so as to maintain a viable and strong PNCR.