PUBLIC Health Minister and Chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Volda Lawrence has apologised for insensitive comments made at her party’s regional conference two weeks ago.

Lawrence has been severely criticised for her remarks. She said in a terse statement “My name is Volda Lawrence. Over the last 30 plus years, I have given service to my people and country. I have fought for my fellow countrymen and women known and unknown, irrespective of their class, creed or political affiliation. I have fought for freedom, equal rights and justice. The rhetoric attributed to me over the last few days, is not reflective of who I am as a person or leader. I have learned that as a leader I must be cognisant of what I say and do, and must not allow emotions or political fervour to get in the way. So to all those whom I have offended in one way or another, I humbly apologise.”

On Sunday Leader of the Alliance For Change, Raphael Trotman says its position on equality is well known, noting that it believes in and espouses equal opportunities for all Guyanese, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, political persuasion or sexual orientation.

“The AFC believes that all Guyanese are entitled to share equally in the benefits of the state.” Lawrence, during a PNCR regional conference last week reportedly told members of the PNCR that “the only friends I got is PNC, so the only people I could give work to is PNC.”

“The AFC believes that all Guyanese are entitled to share equally in the benefits of the state. We believe that the PNC Chair’s widely reported statements were made in the aftermath of the hotly contested Local Government Elections and have created an unnecessary distraction at this time.”
“The chair [Lawrence], I as leader have known and worked closely with for 25 years has never shown racial or political partisanship, but in fact has worked tirelessly, as politician and as a minister of government for the betterment of people of all walks of life and all backgrounds.”

Lawrence, in a statement following the release of the recording at the conference said she stands by her views on the issue of jobs and unemployment, that measures are being put in place for the young and industrious to be afforded the opportunity of becoming self-employed or gaining meaningful employment. Lawrence also said she stands by her views that comrades (PNCR members) must educate and position themselves to be in the 20 per cent bracket that will be afforded government contracts.”

“Cde Lawrence also stands by her views that we must become bi-lingual as the world is now smaller and Guyana [is] fast becoming a haven to people from countries near and far. Cde. Lawrence emphasised that if the coalition wants to remain in power after 2020, we must take better care of all Guyanese. Cde. Lawrence has called for absolute unity, stating categorically that there is no more Joe’s camp or Basil’s camp, but one camp, led by His Excellency David Arthur Granger.”

Lawrence also, according to her statement, called for an end to the complaining, saying “if we project negativity then we would not be able to influence others.”

She noted that government has made it possible for everyone to get a chance at succeeding in their endeavours by giving small contractors 20 per cent of government contracts, noting that the playing field is now level for all Guyanese.