APNU “green” has dark undercurrents
NOMINATION Day came and went. The final number of parties contesting the upcoming elections is still to be announced. What is clear is that the large, unrealistic number that was initially touted will probably not exceed seven, so the actual ballot paper will be shorter. Of course that’s not a big deal, given that some “parties” are literally  one-man concoctions! A certain one-man “party” didn’t even present a list at City Hall on October 27. It begs the question as to what he was doing there!

But like everything else, these situations provide wonderful satirical opportunities. Other opportunities were also presented. During the run up to elections, the customary campaign practices are for parties to expound on achievements, programmes and policies in an effort to win the confidence of voters. However, some, by their actions, have instead instilled fear, thereby eroding the inkling of confidence voters may have had. This particular scenario was clearly evident when APNU reached City Hall to presents its list.

Barricades were placed in front of the main entrance which was manned by police officers, including the Divisional Commander. The officers were very professional in the execution of their duties. As parties arrived, they were informed that only 15 persons were permitted to enter to present their lists. The officers stringently stuck to their task which was made extremely easy since, all Parties prior to APNU’s arrival fully cooperated. Some had had no choice since 15, was an astronomical number that could only be dreamt of, as in the case of the one-man concoction.

That aside, the PPP/C would have had a difficult task to choose 15 since thousands were in its procession. However, very calmly and professionally, 15 representatives were allowed through the barricades to present the party’s list with the thousands remaining outside in full respect for the police requirements. After a while, the 15 representatives exited, and all proceeded, in an orderly fashion, to Freedom House, where they were addressed by party leaders. Subsequently, they dispersed in the same manner, quietly and respectfully.

The same cannot be said about APNU. When they arrived, their supporters removed the barricades, pushed the police aside and stormed City Hall! They probably did not even allow the police to state the requirement! Immediately the courtyard of City Hall was filled with APNU’s supporters clad in green T-shirts. What was even more astonishing was seeing APNU’s Leader, David Granger, waving to those who broke the barricades and invaded City Hall, and to see a former Commissioner of Police, Winston Felix, now with APNU, in the midst of those who broke through!

From Granger’s smiles and prolonged waving, and Mr. Felix’s seeming concurrence with such despicable actions, it could only be interpreted that they fully acknowledged such behaviour. By extension, the actions of these two gentlemen are a clear indication that they approved their supporters pushing down police officers, and thereby disregarding law and order. This has serious implications, since Mr. Granger is seeking to become the President of the Republic, and Mr. Felix is supposed to be an embodiment of law and order!

The PNC, which is now APNU, has a history of not abiding by law and order. Their tactics of intimidation, harassment, violence and other atrocities are well known. APNU touted itself as being different, despite the nation being aware that it is just another name for the PNC. If there was any change in character, then clearly it was absent on Nomination Day. Those images will be stuck in the minds of voters. For the older ones, it would be a reminder of the ingrained trait of the PNC/APNU; while for younger ones, it provides a scary thought and proof of what they would have heard occurred in the past. The action of Nomination Day gone is a reminder that the PNC, a.k.a. APNU, has not changed!

What was so difficult to adhere to the simple requirements of the Police and GECOM? All the other parties respected the requirements. PPP/C Election Committee Member, Robert Persaud, alluded to the disrespect shown by APNU on the day in question. He rightly opined that APNU owes Guyanese an apology for the actions in question. Instead, APNU responded by stating that the PPP/C has a sinister move. A sinister move to state the obvious? No where in APNU’s response did the party mention the fact that the barricades and police were pushed aside and City Hall stormed!

The images were broadcast for all to see. Again, such deliberate avoidance of the obvious is testimony to the fact that the PNC, now APNU, hasn’t changed and that officials seem to openly condone such unruly behaviour. It was surprising that APNU didn’t mention that its supporters’ actions of breaking the barricades and the pushing down of police officers was a show of exuberance, since they felt a sense of “being at home” at City Hall, given that Mr. Hamilton Green is back in the executives of PNC/APNU!
Any significance in APNU’s colour of green and the name of the Mayor? Maybe that can explain the actions on Nomination Day!