–Forde stresses that problems exist not just at the helm but throughout the party as well
EFFORTS to cover up the blatant division and marginalisation within the camp of the People’s National Congress-Reform (PNC-R) have become futile, as senior members within the party are coming forward with their experiences and conclusions that the challenges run deep within the party.

The proverbial ant nest was raised last week when former PNC-R General Secretary Amna Ally declared that incumbent party leader Aubrey Norton is “unfit” to lead.
Rushing to Norton’s defence was PNC-R Chairman Shurwayne Holder who, in a Facebook post, said that he does not believe Ally has “the moral authority to say who is unfit to lead the party.”

After he had accused Ally of several infractions, Holder, during a press conference the next day, stood by his statements and asserted that he did not go overboard.

Despite this heavy blow to the party stalwart, Holder then declared that party business should not be aired in the public domain and the party is unified.
However, after he landed this attack, several persons within the party have taken a firm stand and called out Norton for his leadership style, which has resulted in many individuals feeling as if they are being sidelined for not supporting the incumbent leader.

Since the launch of opposition member Roysdale Forde’s internal campaign, the party has been coming apart at its seams.
During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Forde gave his blunt view on the matter and gave some insight into where the party is, especially with the escalating tensions.

He said of course there have been some tensions within the party since the launch of his internal campaign, then went on to speak about the state of the PNC-R.
“The party is facing a number of challenges, both externally and internally,” Forde told this publication.

In keeping with his campaign, under the banner to “regroup, refocus and rebuild,” he underscored that the PNC-R is not where it should be and a self-analysis and self-assessment is needed.
While the incumbent leader of the PNC-R has placed the party on a high pedestal and some of the individuals who surround him have stated that Norton has rebuilt the party, Forde said otherwise.

“I believe we can’t say that we are at our most optimum position,” he said, while emphasising that this is not necessarily just at the party’s helm, but throughout its body.
Forde, in a statement on Saturday, also stated that the rising level of discourse within the party is not falling on deaf ears.

He addressed Holder’s statements towards Ally and underscored that as party chairman better is expected from him.
As Forde reminded him of his duties, he said: “In such a high office where much is given much is expected. His is the duty to demonstrate and cultivate respect for those who would have served the party from its years when it was seen as a towering force of political power to its current position as a government in waiting. Our party comrades must be committed to respect each other.”

Turning his attention to Norton, Forde stated: “We would all expect no less position taken by the party leader, for he himself will expect nothing less from us…we must not chose [sic] intolerance and disruption over peaceful and democratic engagement and the rule of law.”

As it relates to allegations of division within the party, Ally had said that despite Holder accusing her of attempting to divide the party, this is not true.
“I would never try to divide the party; it is them… The first thing they did was to dismantle the party structure in all the regions,” she said, adding: “That’s why he couldn’t contest the Local Government Elections, because he ain’t got no structure in the regions for people to do the work.”

Further, while allegations of racism in the party are not new, former Mayor of Georgetown and PNC-R member Ubraj Narine, on Friday, called for the party to address the concerns raised by “loyal members who feel marginalised because of their Indian heritage, or desire to challenge the party’s leadership.”

In support of this sentiment, Ally referenced two situations, the first having to do with Geeta Chandan-Edmond being forced to resign as PNC-R General Secretary. Chandan-Edmond reportedly resigned from her post after growing concerns that she was not allowed to fully function in her capacity as General Secretary.

Sources familiar with the situation had told the Guyana Chronicle that Chandan-Edmond had “endured” a lot before throwing in the proverbial towel.
Secondly, Ally referenced the former PNC-R Treasurer Faaiz Mursaline, who, in a previous interview with this publication, had said from the time he assumed the position of elected treasurer he was made to sign blank cheques with no supporting documents.

In November 2022, he signed as many as 20 blank cheques.
“It is clear that he [Norton] sidelines everybody,” she said, adding: “Since Norton come in, he says one thing but he does something else and it is clear, I just told you about all those resignations, all are Indian. So, what reflection does it give?”