WHILE the party’s congress could have been the perfect platform to calm the internal turmoil that is forcing the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) into the shadows of Guyana’s archives, Party Leader, Aubrey Norton, on Friday made the current government the highlight of the long overdue event.

As he pussyfooted around major issues, Norton during the opening ceremony of the PNCR’s 22nd biennial congress regurgitated most of the strategies that the party outlines at its weekly press conferences.
Although the PNCR’s plans have constantly been flagged by prominent economists and policy advisors because of its unfeasibility, the Party Leader still fed his party members the repetitive ideas, just with a firmer tone.
While Congress Place was abuzz with mostly aged party members and a scorching atmosphere, many prominent party figures took a backseat at this year’s congress.
During his address, Norton cited big plans for the Guyanese people such as building a strong and sustainable economy.

Coincidently, these major plans had an identical flavour to the party’s 2015 promise of a “good life” which resulted in 200-plus taxes being forced on Guyanese, several sectors facing immense challenges and other struggles that were eminent under the APNU+AFC regime.
Adding to this, Norton attempted to paint the trashing that the party took at the 2023 Local Government Elections (LGEs) as a success, in spite of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) landslide victory and the major inroads made in the Opposition’s strongholds.
Norton then directed focus to a “people-centred development strategy.” On that note, he promised developments in areas such as housing although from 2015 to 2020, the APNU+AFC administration only developed three housing schemes in Peter’s Hall, Prospect Track ‘E’, and Providence.
While in contrast, the PPP/C Government has developed over 50 housing schemes in just three and a half years.
And while the PNCR found itself battling a mountain of allegations regarding numerous infractions, Norton, during his address, had firmly stated that party matters should remain internal.
Notably, even with the resignation of its General Secretary, Dawn Hastings-Williams, the campaign suspension of both of Norton’s competitors, Amanza Walton-Desir and Roysdale Forde, the party’s incumbent leadership had ignored all of these concerns and went full speed ahead with the congress.
Notwithstanding this, the opening ceremony was riddled with antics, including one woman throwing herself on the ground at Norton’s feet.
CONCERNS
Both Walton-Desir and Forde “suspended” their campaigns on Thursday due to what they claimed are alleged irregularities and lack of transparency surrounding the congress.
In a letter, Forde said that despite several written communications addressed to the Central Executive Committee and the General Secretary regarding concerns about the integrity of the electoral processes for the party’s elections, he did not receive any response.
He went on to say: “There have been noticeable irregularities concerning the list of delegates, which raise serious concerns about the transparency of the election process.
“Unreasonable timelines have been imposed to meet certain requirements for holding the congress, which have placed undue pressure and constraints on the democratic process,” he added.
Forde also said that party members from various regions across the country have expressed dissatisfaction with the extremely limited time provided to organise logistics to attend and effectively participate in the Congress.

“Further, my decision is rooted in the fundamental principles of accountability, transparency and democratic governance, which I believe are essential for the integrity of the party’s electoral processes,” he said.

Additionally, Walton-Desir said that her decision was “incredibly difficult” but one that was made after “deep reflection and extensive discussions” with her team and close advisors.
Walton-Desir said that the recent developments have raised serious concerns about the process.
She said: “As of the morning of June 27, 2024, one day before the commencement of our Congress, a preliminary list of delegates has not been made available to me as a candidate to allow for claims or objections and further, there is a lack of agreement among all candidates contesting on the procedures for conducting the elections.”

She went on to say: “These and several other issues necessitate careful consideration and resolution to ensure the continued integrity of our party and while I believe it is vital to address these concerns, I also recognise the importance of doing so in a manner that preserves our unity and strength.”

Additionally, just a few days before the party’s overdue congress, Dawn Hastings-Williams had tendered her resignation from the post of General Secretary of the PNCR.

Hastings-Williams called it quits with the party and admitted that she was a “rubberstamp” while serving as General Secretary.
Although her position is crucial to the party and its elections, Norton, in a previous invited comment, told the Guyana Chronicle that Hastings-Williams’ resignation would not affect the party’s congress.
In the letter of resignation, Hastings-Williams cited a number of reasons including the lack of preparation for the party’s upcoming congress, along with financial and membership discrepancies.
She said: “With all the administrative task[s] that has [sic] to be undertaken by the secretariat, I believe that the one-month period for preparation for such a congress can lead to confusion rather than having a fair and transparent process and outcome.”

While the General Secretary has to be integrated in every aspect as it relates to the preparation for congress, Hastings-Williams said that in many instances, this has not been happening.
Notably, on the PNCR’s Nomination Day, Norton secured 177 nominations: Walton-Desir got nine nominations; Forde got 20; Volda Lawrence, one; Gary Best, two; Carl Greenidge got four and Simona Broomes got two nominations.