–Burke, Forde agree party has lost its energy

THE unproductiveness of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) is setting the foundation for the party to become a relic in Guyana’s archives, as highlighted by its own members.
This time, known PNCR supporter Rickford Burke and party executive Roysdale Forde have explained how ineffective the party is.
On a show, Burke asked Forde: “What has happened to the party’s influence? What has happened to our society from 1997 to now?”

The social media commentator then said: “The party obviously has diminished in influence and currently some people feel the party is failing in the representation it’s providing to its constituents,” as he then asked why the PNCR is so ineffective as a political opposition.
Forde answered: “There is no denial. I believe that anyone who wants to be objective, who examines what is happening over the years, will inevitably come to that conclusion that the party does not demonstrate the same sort of energy, the same sort of force [when] compared to probably 20 years earlier.”
Even recently, Amanza Walton-Desir admitted that the PNCR cannot lead Guyana, given the mass level of schisms and ‘mud-slinging.’
Walton-Desir, who is also in the race for leadership of the PNCR, 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 [PNCR] 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 targeted, 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 PNCR 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 electoral 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 PNCR, the turnout was dismal. The 22nd Biennial Delegates Congress will be held from June 28-30, 2024.