-Amanza Walton-Desir admits disunity, disparaging campaign tactics tainting party
GIVEN the mass level of schism and ‘mud-slinging’ within the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), even its member, Amanza Walton-Desir has admitted that the party cannot lead Guyana.

Walton-Desir, who is also in the race for the leadership of the PNC/R, made these remarks on her Facebook page, where she unearthed the disunity and disrespect that are ongoing in the party as its congress draws near.
During her broadcast, Walton-Desir said, “Recent events have cast a shadow over our [PNC/R] noble cause.

It pains me deeply to witness the vitriol and hostility that have begun to pervade our campaign. Known surrogates of some candidates are resorting to aggressive, reprehensible personal attacks against other candidates and against their fellow party members. This behaviour is not just an affront to the individual targetted, it is an assault on the very fabric of our party and everything we stand for.

“We must ask ourselves what kind of country, what kind of future are we building if we tear each other down in the process? How can we lead a nation if we cannot even lead ourselves with dignity and respect? The answer is clear, we cannot.”
On Monday, the PNC/R held its Nomination Day for its upcoming congress. But instead of a day of togetherness as party members gathered from different regions, members underscored that the party is “weaker” than ever and has “regressed.”

In an invited comment to the Sunday Chronicle, Walton-Desir called for a new political culture to be ushered in.
“For me, it is about creating a vibrant, strong opposition. For me, it’s about heralding a new political culture in our country,” she said.

Norton secured 177 nominations; Walton-Desir, nine nominations; Forde, 20 nominations; Volda Lawrence, one nomination; Gary Best, two nominations; Carl Greenidge, four nominations; and Simona Broomes, two nominations.

Nomination Day is part of the election process to elect a new party executive, including the Party Leader, Chairman, two Vice-Chairpersons, Treasurer and the 15 Central Executive Committee members. Despite Nomination Day being a major day for the PNC/R, the turnout was dismal.
The 22nd Biennial Delegates Congress will be held on June 28-30, 2024.