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name=”PlaceType”/> name=”Street”/> name=”address”/> name=”PlaceName”/> name=”City”/> name=”State”/> name=”country-region”/> name=”place”/> alink=fushia> 2005-11-19: href=”2005-11-19.htm”>Our eventual withdrawal will be on our terms style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’> By Raphael Trotman Saturday, November 19th 2005 Since the launch of the AFC in October, there has been a heavy and sustained attack on the movement from all angles and for all sorts of reasons. However, these attacks have not been able to penetrate the wall of support for the AFC that has emerged since its launching. There is widespread speculation as to the possible relationships, if any, with other political parties, and in particular, with the self-styled "Guyana Third Force Platform" (GTF). The relationship between the AFC and the GTF is one of the beachheads which have been opened up by agent provocateurs to ensure that we are divided and therefore easily conquerable. The AFC is on record to have stated that it wanted to launch itself formally as a movement before entering into deliberations with others. This was made pellucid at the now famous Le Meridien gathering and was whole-heartedly accepted by all. To do otherwise would have been to enter into an asymmetrical situation that any student of strategy would have cautioned against. This would not have augured well for the building of alliances or partnerships which the AFC has accepted as essential to achieving a new political dispensation for w:st=”on”>Guyana Since those discussions, there has been much ado about nothing as we parried over websites, personalities and seating arrangements. At the end of the day, the AFC does not view the others with any less respect than it does itself. Some misguided souls have apparently quarrelled about the seating arrangements put in place for the leaders of the GTF umbrella at the launch, and others complained most ridiculously, about the fact that the AFC went ahead to name it’s Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates. It must be considered a personal affront for anyone to try to dictate to the AFC, what it should or should not do regarding its own internal arrangements and structures. The reality is that if one were to ask Joe and Jane Public who are the presidential candidates of GAP, WPA, ROAR, Unity Party, JFAP, the answer would have been unhesitatingly provided. What we need to do is move away from petty political posturing and earnestly address the core issue that most Guyanese want dealt with: – Will there be a coming together between the AFC and the GTF? Or between the AFC and parts of what now constitutes the GTF? Trust and a basic platform of common principles and understanding are what are needed in any situation in which more than two persons are expected to work together. We need for example to define specifically what it is we are pursuing: – Is it for example an end to instability leading to a new democratic process? Or is it to promote another period of crisis, confusion and chaos? The AFC would not have any part to play in promoting such situations. The AFC remains ready, willing, and able to meet any group, provided that the necessary preparatory work for the meeting takes place and there is an agreed agenda. The last thing the AFC wishes to see happen, is to disappoint the nation with a failed process resembling the PPP/C and PNCR dialogue, which ended with the infamous "you are not my equal" utterance. To act otherwise would be to stage a "pappy show". The AFC cannot subscribe to any attempt to avoid the holding of free, fair, fearless, and transparent elections in 2006. There is a widely held belief that there is a plan afoot to subvert the holding of elections next year and to bring things to a point where an interim government will have to be installed. In the view of the AFC, such an outcome would impose further pain and suffering on our beloved w:st=”on”>Guyana complete socio-economic paralysis. Promoting a National Front Government could only gain credibility and acceptance if all the important players and stakeholders voluntarily accept this as the best alternative. Forcing, or imposing, such an ad hoc arrangement will not work. Already, the AFC’s name has come up as being a member of a high-profiled team that travelled to w:st=”on”> promote this very point of view. The AFC categorically and publicly disassociates itself from any such points of view and associations. Then there is the issue of the seats of Parliament, where to date, the only member of the GTF that has taken a position is the WPA because it is the one directly involved in this now interesting and unprecedented matter. It is beyond any shadow of doubt that there is no legal and/or constitutional provision that can see the removal of the so-called "rebel" MP’s. What is left is the moral issue being trumpeted by all and sundry; some of whom if we are to call a spade a spade, have serious moral issues of their own. The notion of democracy has come a far way since the promulgation of the Magna Carta in 1215, and the declaration of our own in 1966. Many have heard of the "Separation of Powers" but few, especially those in office today, really care to endorse and promote its true meaning. The latest indecent assault on democracy is being witnessed with the introduction of the proposed High Court (Amendment) Bill which seeks to denude and degut the hallowed office of Chief Justice by the executive. Yet, there are those who are prepared to argue its uprightness whilst not seeing the argument about three parliamentary seats. Where is the separation if our judges and elected representatives cannot be insulated from executive and party control and manipulation? In 2003 at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in at which was amply represented, the "Latimer House Principles" were adopted as being the standard by which democracy shall be measured and judged throughout the length and breadth of the Commonwealth and amongst its 1.8 billion citizens in the 53 territories. At the time of their adoption, His Excellency, the Right Honourable Don McKinnon, the Commonwealth Secretary General was moved to expressing the sanguine expectation of the Commonwealth’s citizens and their political representatives: "What we now wish to see is the sharing of best practices and dissemination of agreed values and principles. This will enable member countries to move to that optimum state of governance which is predicated on the rule of law in our Commonwealth member states." Interestingly, at the Nigeria Summit the Heads of State including ours thought it important to address the vexed and important question of the independence of Members of Parliament and included in the declaration the following text: 1. style=’font:7.0pt “Times New Roman”‘> style=’font-size:13.5pt’>Article 9 of the Bill of Rights 1688 is reaffirmed. This article provides: 2. style=’font:7.0pt “Times New Roman”‘> style=’font-size:13.5pt’>Security of members during their parliamentary term is fundamental to parliamentary independence and therefore: "That the Freedom of Speech and Debates or Proceedings in Parliament ought not to be impeached or questioned in any court or place out of Parliament." a) The expulsion of members from parliament as a penalty for leaving their parties (crossing the floor) should be viewed as a possible infringement of members’ independence; anti-defection measures may be necessary in some jurisdictions to deal with corrupt practices; b) Laws allowing for the recall of members during their elected term should be viewed with caution, as a potential threat to the independence of members; c) The cessation of membership of a political party of itself should not lead to the loss of a member’s seat." The above then sets out the new democratic governance principles that this, and all other governments within the Commonwealth, except of course those under suspension, have endorsed and committed themselves to observing and preserving. The issue of the independence of Members of Parliament is on trial as much here in w:st=”on”>Guyana Commonwealth territory. How this matter ends, or is resolved, will have far-reaching consequences to the democratic edifice everywhere. The "rebels" of Guyana and interestingly enough, those as well in the twin-Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, who are fighting the over forty years of established party dominance, are now being viewed with interest, as their fate will become a watershed for the people’s representatives the world over, and most importantly, in countries with repressive governments and suffocating political parties. The people of w:st=”on”>Guyana the bile of party paramountcy and democratic centralism that it is now difficult to separate a Member of Parliament from a political party. The people’s best interests as envisioned in the Latimer House Principles are what we in the AFC are being asked to surrender. It is understandable why even the most ardent supporters of the AFC want to see us purified through the act of quitting. In a sense therefore, members of Parliament associated with the AFC are faced with a difficult decision of taking the prophylactic walking pill, or of staying and building up enough anti-bodies to fight the fever itself. That said, it must be accepted that the AFC’s and its supporters’ interests must be catered for. In this light, the populace can rest assured that the right decision will be taken at the right time. The decisions regarding the parliamentary seats will be taken not based on issues of legality or tenuous moral arguments, but on practical political reasoning. At this time, I for reasons more to do with getting the work of the AFC moving in time for the events of 2006 will be making preparations for my departure in the not too distant future. Having committed myself to resign, I will be doing so long before the elections, but it has to be recognized that despite my silence in the House there is unfinished business particularly in preparing the Freedom of Information Bill and it would have been unwise to bend simply to the unreasonable demands of those whom we are likely to encounter on the battlefield in a few short months. Our eventual withdrawal will be on our terms, on our time, and on our own supporters’ accord. I posit that most third party initiatives in w:st=”on”> elsewhere failed, not because the giants crushed them, but rather because of the crab-in-abarrel mentality and mischievousness, which did the destruction from within, coming from persons sometimes posing as closest supporters and admirers. I say, let’s give working together a try in w:st=”on”> interest, and stop the promotion of divisiveness. Instead of carrying on a debate on morality and legality, let us engage in a discussion on matters of practicality as Bernard Ramsay and others have suggested on what is in the AFC’s best interest. 2005-11-15: An expelled AFC member could keep his parliamentary seat… By Khemraj Ramjattan Tuesday, November 15th 2005 Mr Raymond Gaskin, my very good friend, the answer to your question is obvious. (SN, 10.11.05 ‘Will a member of the AFC who is expelled be able to keep his seat?’) Absolutely! An expelled AFC member or one who dissociates will be able to keep his seat. No AFC leader or organ will be in any position to disqualify such a dissenting MP. You see Raymond, it is like having picked your 11 best players to play in a Test Match, expecting all to perform well. In mid-match one does not. He drops 5 simple catches and gets bowled for a duck first innings. The selectors cannot drop him and put in another player for the second innings; he has to play through the entire Test. And this would be the case, of course, until there is a change of the rules of the game. In identical terms, the present arrangement under Constitution and all relevant laws on this issue cannot realise a disqualification on any MP on such a ground that the electors do not like him any more. Such a dissenting, dissociating MP must be permitted to serve out his constitutional period, unless, of course, he decides to vacate earlier. If a change of this scenario is required, then like in the cricket analogy, the rules governing Parliamentary disqualification must be amended. To begin with, who should make the call that such dissenting MP should be disqualified? The Leader of the List? This will be most objectionable, and would be legalising party-leader paramountcy. Why should he have such a power when the electors may very well find favour with such a rebellious MP? Should not the ultimate power of recall be with electors? Quite frankly this is where I believe it should reside. But in a PR electoral system, it would be almost impossible to effectuate. And it is precisely because such amended rules will be very difficult to implement in the context of a Proportional Representational electoral system, that the fall-back position in the constitutional reform process was article 156(3). And what is this article saying? It is emphatically asserting that it is the MP, and he alone, who has the power to disqualify himself! Any reading of that article 156(3) must mean that the final decision as to vacating the seat rests on the MP. This was where the constitutional reform process rested it, in view of the difficulty of resting it elsewhere. And which MP, if he does not want to vacate his seat, will ever declare in the prescribed manner? Mr Ramotar gives the impression that it is a technicality that the form of this declaration has not yet been drafted. It is the meaninglessness of whatever form the declaration takes, and the easy escape route from its application that it has not yet been drafted! But even if it were, any sensible MP who wants to keep his seat will avoid such a declaration. This is all he has to do – avoid it. If he wants to vacate, he makes the prescribed declaration and says goodbye. Let me say this. All these arguments were gone through with Mr Ramotar when consideration was being given to the question of whether Mr Nadir should cross over or not. Mr Nadir and the TUF, unlike the AFC, had a list in accordance with article 156(3). Changing his seat over with the PPP can be regarded as conduct tantamount to supporting another list. Yet Mr Ramotar never found Mr Nadir’s conduct unconstitutional or immoral. What hypocrisy! Finally, I want Mr Ramotar to know that his use of Rosa Parks and the apartheid-system instances to buttress his timid, flawed argumentation against my stand on the Parliamen-tary issue was wholly out of place, and without logical relevance. Rosa Parks and Mandela are heroes of mine. They fought against systems purporting to be lawful and moral, but which were wholly unlawful and immoral. My sitting in Parliament is totally lawful. Neither you nor anyone else can shift me from there! My fight to keep my seat may just be that spark to give the impetus to destroy party paramountcy and democratic centralism. Try to make sense next time, Donald, and don’t attempt a Stella! 2005-11-13: href=”2005-11-13.htm”>Govt tables bill to weaken post of Chief Justice (Stabroek News) The government has proposed amendments to the laws to relieve the Chief Justice of a number of duties, including the allocation of all court business, in what some see as a move that will weaken the office and could lead to administrative problems. The High Court (Amendment) Bill 2005 which was tabled on Thursday would, if passed, remove a number of the administrative duties from the Chief Justice in whom they have been long vested and give them to the Chancellor. Stabroek News was unable to get a comment from Attorney General Doodnauth Singh (in whose name the bill was tabled) on the reasons behind it, and already there is speculation as to the government’s motives, particularly in the light of the current impasse on the Chancellor’s appointment. The bill seeks to confer the powers vested in the Chief Justice under Sections 66, 76 and 77 of the High Court Act on the Chancellor. According to the bill’s explanatory memorandum, these powers are to determine the distribution of the business before the court; to assign any judicial duty to any judge; to direct the sitting of the full court in more than one division; and to assign a third judge to sit on a hearing by the full court on appeal, where the Chancellor thinks there are any special grounds that the full court should be composed of three judges. The Guyana Bar Association (GBA) council will be meeting on Tuesday to come up with its official position on the matter, GBA President Joseph Harmon said yesterday. He said he only learnt of the bill when a member of parliament brought it to his attention on Friday, the day after it was tabled in the House and there was no opportunity for members to make their positions clear. His initial reaction to the bill, however, was to see it as an attempt to consolidate in the hands of one person what is really the powers of two people. But former Bar President and MP Khemraj Ramjattan did not mince words on the amendment, which he said ought to be withdrawn. He saw it as "a ruthless attempt to take away the powers of the Chief Justice and to give it to someone else who the government feels comfortable with." More than that, he also thought the amendment would impinge on the constitution, which sets out certain duties for both the Chief Justice and the Chancellor. Ramjattan said "to denude… the Chief Justice’s powers is literally to make the Chief Justice a puisne judge in effect." He went further to say that the bill would in essence "abolish" the office of the Chief Justice. "What is a Chief Justice if not the person who allocates the matters…?" he asked rhetorically. Ramjattan said his initial feelings on the bill were that it was improperly motivated and in some respects unconstitutional. He said "it smacks of interference with the independence of the judiciary," and as both lawyer and MP he hoped that all parliamentarians would adhere to the doctrine of separation of powers "and not allow partisan party politics to pass this bill." Another attorney and MP, Basil Williams, also thought the amendment would reduce the Chief Justice’s post to nothing more than a ceremonial title, and could be a move towards doing away with the office. "What is to happen to the office of the Chief Justice? It becomes impotent," he noted, while also taking the view that holders of the post would in essence be just regular judges. Also, having considered the implications of the proposed amendment he did not see how it would serve the already overburdened judiciary by placing the entire administrative workload on the shoulders of just one office holder. "It doesn’t make sense to me. Right now, with the Chief Justice alone, we have had a lot of problems and people are dissatisfied with the way things are and now you will take all the administrative power to one office?" he said. Like Ramjattan, Williams also felt that the amendment was not in keeping with the spirit and intent of the constitution given the role envisaged by its drafters. Williams noted too that the amendment had implications for the current consultations between the President and the Opposition Leader for the appointment of a Chancellor and Chief Justice. In this regard, he said, the amendment would amount to "a shifting the goalposts" during the talks. Indeed, the tabling of the bill comes as the consultations between President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposi-tion Leader Robert Corbin remain open after more than six months. Since their first meeting Jagdeo has publicly stated that Chief Justice Carl Singh is his candidate to fill the Chancellor’s vacancy but he has not scheduled a follow-up meeting with Corbin, saying that a committee is searching for an ideal Chief Justice candidate. Justice Claudette Singh, who was passed over for the post of Chief Justice the last time it fell vacant, has been named among the leading candidates for it now. Observers suspect that the amendment is intended to dilute the powers of the Chief Justice in the event that Chief Justice Carl Singh is appointed Chancellor, along with a Chief Justice that the government does not look favourably on. Under the revised constitution, neither of the appointments can be made unless the Opposition Leader agrees. 2005-11-05: Exposing a benign paramountcy in the National Assembly – another national tragedy style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:#0031FF’> By Khemraj Ramjattan Saturday, November 5th 2005 (MPs Khemraj Ramjattan and Raphael Trotman do monthly columns for Stabroek News on a topic of their choice) In my address at the launch of the AFC last Saturday I argued the case that the continued presence in the National Assembly of Trotman, Holder and myself, until such time as we individually decide to leave, if ever we so decide, is wholly constitutional and moral. The Telfords and Stellas and Bakrs disagreed. I respect their position and will fight to the very end to safeguard their right to so express their opinion. My position on the constitutionality and legality of our present status cannot be questioned. It is supported by the Speaker of the House who ruled that he has no jurisdiction to throw out Raphael upon Mr. Corbin’s application to have him disqualified. Earlier, when the PPP after my expulsion wanted me out, he had similarly ruled. Moreover, the Learned Chief Justice Carl Singh in an application to disqualify Manzoor Nadir, who crossed the floor from The United Force to the PPP/C, ruled that there is nothing unconstitutional about such conduct and dismissed the application. Legal opinion sought by the President from a famous Guyanese lawyer, who straddles the highest courts in the w:st=”on”>Caribbean and the Privy Council of London, supports this position. Now if such a position as ours in the AFC is legal and no way constitutionally improper how can it be immoral? Legal propriety is generally synonymous with morality. I suppose the argument will just get down to a subjectivist realm. There needs to be a re-emphasis of certain points I made at the launch, and an emphasis of an additional few. Firstly, the concept of Parliamentary democracy which is at the foundation of the electoral system focuses on peoples’ power and peoples’ interest; not party’s power and party’s interest. A party is simply the vehicle to getting worthy members through a list system into that destination called the National Assembly. Once that destination is reached, through a combination of election – by the electorate, and selection – by the leader of the list, such members of the National Assembly become representatives of the people and defenders of the constitution and the national interest. Members of the National Assembly who understand this will ensure a greater efficacy of the Assembly. It is because on vital issues, on matters that really matter, members see themselves not as the peoples’ representatives, but as puppets of a party, that that authentic Parliamentary culture we want in our country is devastated. This is why those who make the call do not realise that they are unconsciously subscribers to the doctrines of party paramountcy and democratic centralism. Additionally, members of the National Assembly have constitutional rights which do not fade into oblivion upon entry into that august body. My appointment as an MP never entailed a restriction or subjugation of my right to associate, which includes my right to dissociate, or my right to express dissenting views. Service in the National Assembly is not and cannot be premised on the deprivation of or restriction on my fundamental rights to freely express myself and to freely associate/disassociate. Consequently, the call by party leaders, columnists and letter writers for us to vacate our seats clearly demonstrates what contempt they have for our constitutional rights to disassociate and dissent. Paradoxically, in taking the stance we have, we are defending not only our individual fundamental rights but also those of each and every member of the National Assembly extracted from their respective party’s lists. It is the sacred duty of each and every Member of the Assembly to stand with us in defence of the constitutional right of each and every member to freedom of association and to free _expression. If they are unwilling to defend their own interest, they hardly can be expected to defend the public interest and the constitutional rights of the ordinary citizens. Much more than the skirts of the PNC and the PPP is being revealed. The extent to which these parties have subjugated, or are seeking to subjugate, constitutional rights of Parliamentarians to narrow party interests is now being exposed. Having exercised our freedom to dissociate and dissent from our respective parties, and to associate with and express support for the AFC, can never mean that our vote in the National Assembly on whatever issue will not be one in the national interest. Standing up for fundamental rights, and sacrificing the party’s interest for the national interest, can hardly be classified as politically immoral. Party sycophancy is antithetical to political morality. But it may just be that party sycophancy has cultivated its own peculiar moral values in its conscious or unconscious adherents. By the way, is not this exactly what Manzoor Nadir did? Was he immoral? Was the PPP/C aiding and abetting immorality when they took him on board? Why this moral outrage from the PNC now when it benefited from similar cross-overs by Parliamentarians like Teekah and Chandisingh? Wilbert Telford, was the PNC immoral when it caused so many PPPites to cross over to its side of the House? Or is it moral only when Parliamen-starians come into these parties’ fold; but not when Parliamentarians abandon such parties to form their own? What hypocrisy! Finally, let me say that all the recommendations of the various experts will mean nothing, absolutely nothing, if an appreciation of this approach to Parliamentary democracy is missed by Parliamentarians. They will remain stultified in their growth as defenders and promoters of the national interest; they will remain just as their parties’ controlling cabals want them to be, mere glorifiers of party interests. This was the genesis of Burnhamism. We must prevent a reincarnation of this despicable system So my message to my colleagues in the National Assembly will go something like this: "Parliamentarians unite – you have only your Party shackles to lose". 2005-11-03: The messages delivered at the launching were impressive style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’>(Stabroek News) style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’> By Haemwattie Ragnauth Thursday, November 3rd 2005 Dear Editor, I happened to attend the inauguration of the Alliance For Change (AFC) at the Ocean View Convention Centre on October 29, 2005. The launching of this new political movement has created political history in w:st=”on”>Guyana auditorium but a mixture of races including members of the diplomatic community, businessmen and women, academicians and people from various walks of life. The messages delivered by the co-leaders of the AFC, Raphael Trotman and Khemraj Ramjattan were very comprehensive and impressive. The other members of the steering committee are all persons of integrity and moral values. I have no doubt these distinguished characters will bring about a change to the politics of Many persons at the launching including myself were impressed when the audience was introduced to the team of the AFC steering committee. I have no doubt that after its launching, shock-waves must have gone through the spine of the two major political parties. For more than forty years Guyanese were taught only to be loyal to their respective parties and leaders and not to their country and citizens. As a result of this, their very existence has been shattered. The time has now come when Guyanese are conscious and they reflect how they have been kept in bondage by the two major political parties whose mottos are the same, divide and rule. It’s time for change. Change is the key to success and prosperity of this land. So let’s do it now. Yours faithfully, Haemwattie Ragnauth style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:#0031FF’>2005-11-02: These two young men should be protected News) By Rakesh Rampertab Wednesday, November 2nd 2005 Dear Editor, Now that the AFC is a political party, I wish to say something that is appropriate and very important: Mr. Raphael Trotman and Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan must be protected. To the entire group of people surrounding them, one would hope that you are security-conscious at all times. The WPA was warned to ‘guard Rodney from assassination’ by many people including CLR James. Obviously, they failed. Obviously, w:st=”on”> failed…and we all paid dearly, including the accomplished hangmen who killed him. So let me say it again, the people of w:st=”on”> protect these two young men. The hangmen may have changed their ugly masks, but the rope is still the same. Yours faithfully, Rakesh Rampertab 2005-10-31: Retain your seats so you can serve Guyanese in Parliament style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’>(Stabroek News) style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’> Dear Editor, I do hope that the new thinking and the new way of doing things promised by the Change will, at all times and in all places, seek to espouse the paramountcy of over and above the paramountcy of the party, be it the PNC/R or PPP/C. We ought to remember that parliamentarians have sworn allegiance to the Para-mountcy of the Constitution of Guyana and this must supersede and override the narrower concept of the paramountcy of the party. Messrs. Khemraj Ramjattan and Raphael Trotman, please do not give up your seats in The National Assembly. You must retain your seats so that you may continue to serve all w:st=”on”> highest decision making forum, where decisions that affect the lives of all Guyanese, even the unborn are made. By doing so you will have demonstrated that you have placed service to and all Guyanese over and above the paramountcy of the party thus giving us reason to hope for improved social conditions and brighter futures. The old way of thinking (for example, the paramountcy of the party, democratic centralism, benevolent dictatorship, etc) which has gotten us into our present economic, political and social predicaments, has never served and Guyanese well. The quality of life in w:st=”on”> inevitably, affected by the moral character of our political institutions. If the system of national governance is dealing unjustly, with some of its citizens, they are not the only ones to suffer. The quality of life for all Guyanese is degraded (today’s reality). A system of national governance that privileges some citizens over others is giving the ‘privileged citizens" a corrupted view of democracy even if it gives them a social or economic advantage. You, Sirs, have had the courage to take up the mantle of Guyanese leadership and have affected a change to a higher and more sophisticated type or level of thinking – from the traditional either/or (e.g. democratic centralism) with its inherent limitations to the more encompassing and futuristic both/and. The former tends to be divisive and to exclude new thinking and new ideas. This is undemocratic. The latter is more inclusive and synergistic. It encourages new thinking, new ideas and as a consequence is far more enduring and democratic – all Guyanese are important. We have to realize that running a national government is a country’s biggest business. No other organization in that country handles the vast sums of money the national government does. The manner in which this business is run affects every other business within the country. It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for institutions and organizations to be truly effective if the system of national governance is ineffective. Climb every mountain, "young Sirs". Encourage all Guyanese to put first and always. The only question we need to ask is: "What is best (using public criteria) for The answer is: "Support Change" "Support the w:st=”on”>Alliance Yours faithfully, (name and address supplied) style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:#0031FF’>2005-10-18: Applications flowing in for w:st=”on”> membership News) The Alliance For Change (AFC) has received some 1,000 applications for party membership over the two weeks since the forms were made available to the public, joint leader of the new movement Raphael Trotman said. Asked to comment on developments within the party and preparations for the October 29 launch of the AFC, Trotman said that since the forms were made available the response had been heartening. The number of applicants was probably more than some of the established parties could boast about, he added. Membership to the AFC requires a fee of $200. The sum was based on recommendations the leadership of the movement received during their interactions with the public. Trotman said over the last few weeks the party worked on developing and refining its vision, mission statement, and strategic plan among other things, which both himself and joint leader Khemraj Ramjattan would present at the launching. Local and foreign experts including overseas-based Guyanese are assisting in crafting the strategic plan, he said. He said that the party was focusing on a strategic plan and was shying away from the word manifesto in presenting its philosophy, objectives and plan of action. The strategic plan, he said, covers a broad spectrum including the adoption of the National Development Strategy in which some of the strategies would be updated. Issues of crime, regional development (including a devolution of political and economic control) and moving the regions away from a number system to giving them names and personalities of their own are also being looked at, he said. He said the main principals of the AFC included WPA MP Sheila Holder and television station owner Anthony Vieira, but there were other personalities giving support to the movement and they would associate themselves publicly with the party after it has been launched. During a walkabout on Water Street on Saturday with the other principals, he said, one of the frequently asked questions was whether or not they believed in God which gave an indication that people were looking for divine intervention in the governance of the country. Meanwhile, regarding the launching of the Guyana Third Force, Trotman said the AFC was not perturbed about the grouping but observed that it was unfortunate there has been some confusion about the identity of the two entities. The AFC, he said, was not out to pick fights with persons competing to get followers but rather to keep focused on the task ahead which was to ensure that the ruling party in government did not get a majority at the next elections. Sheila Holder’s Response to Robert Persaud style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’>(Stabroek News) style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’> By Sheila Holder 20th September 2005 Dear Sir, The Sunday September 18 edition of the Kaieteur News carried a viewpoint by Information Liaison Officer to the President, Robert Persaud that was dedicated to the ‘Third Force’, recently named ‘Alliance For Change’ (AFC) by winner of the ‘Name the Third Force Competition’, Corentyne resident, Jagdeo Kishon. Attempts were made in the viewpoint to defame the AFC by suggesting it was a hoax when in fact it was the PPPC that are the experts at playing many a hoax on the Guyanese people. For instance, during the last elections campaign when they promised to create thousands of jobs for the desperate jobless that never materialised. The AFC assures its supporters and the public at large that the AFC exists and has a vision that embodies the elements of servant leadership that recognises God as omniscient, consensus politics as a means to political stability, a meritorious reward system based on equal treatment and equal opportunity for all irrespective of race, colour, class or creed. We believe that when these basic principles are embraced, peace and harmony among our diverse peoples will follow and regency shall be given to the reform measures promulgated in our Constitution, which enshrines independence to the three arms of the state and other institutions so defined. As the mouth piece for the PPP/C government that undemocratically monopolises and controls the only radio station in the country, the state media comprising the people- owned NCN television stations in Demerara, Essequibo, Berbice & Linden and the Guyana Chronicle newspaper, to the exclusion of the political opposition generally and other critics in the society specifically, Robert Persaud presumptuously inferred that what the PPPC Government does in monopolising the state media is alright but when it comes to sections of the private media exercising their right to give political coverage as they see fit, he declares it does not bode well for the journalistic profession. He grumbled about the large number of letters in the print media calling for the establishment of a ‘Third Force’ that featured AFC principals; about the various attacks coming from the political and non-political sections of the society and the Diaspora critical of the poor performance of the Jagdeo government. The manner in which he did this suggested that somehow critics had a hand in the unholy state of affairs brought upon this nation by successive PPPC governments over the last thirteen years. It was they who made no secret of their self-interested policies by habitually using their simple parliamentary majority tyrannically even when it became blatantly obvious that such practices were to the detriment of the body politic and to the nation as a whole. One such example is their refusal to hold an enquiry into the devastating coastal floods which affected some one third of the population after eight long months. Persistent calls by the parliamentary opposition and civil society to ascertain the causes of the floods continue to be spurned. Compare this stance with the current situation in w:st=”on”>New Orleans already moved to establish several enquires into the devastation wroth by hurricane Katrina. Another example of their self-serving attitude is the refusal to release the population census after three years thereby denying the society access to essential public data while utilizing same for their own partisan purposes, what bigger hoax than that has been played on the Guyanese people by any other political group in the country? Witness their refusal to grant the indigenous people their wish to be described as ‘Indigenous’ rather than ‘Amerindian’ while daring to claim that the Government’s consultation process is working. Robert Persaud and The PPPC government are in no position to cast aspersions on sections of the private media or the political opposition. Their practice of double standards must be brought to an end by the electorate in order that democratic values might prevail in w:st=”on”> only when such values become entrenched in our country that the debilitating issues of joblessness and poverty; underdevelopment and crime would be overcome. We urge the Guyanese people to choose change at the next general elections because change is the ‘key’ – the symbol of the AFC designed by Marlon Williams, winner of the AFC logo competition. Regards, Sheila Holder, MP 2005-06-26: Ramjattan/Trotman breakaway is sign of maturity style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’>(Stabroek News) style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’> By Miranda La Rose Sunday, June 26th 2005 The desire of Khemraj Ramjattan and Raphael Trotman "to bridge the racial divide that has developed due to the dominance of the two major political forces… could only be a good thing and people like me have an obligation to support it and that is what I am doing." So said WPA Member of Parliament Sheila Holder in an interview with Stabroek News on Friday when she stated that she makes, "no secret of [her] enthusiasm for the combination dubbed the Third Force. I believe that Khemraj Ramjattan and Raphael Trotman breaking away from the two major political parties is a significant event in this country [at a time when] MPs, feel that they are locked into their parties, that they are owned and controlled by their parties, that breaking away is quite a traumatic experience and that the fear associated with it is almost as if they have to get permission." They have signalled by the breakaway "a maturity to branch off on their own. That is what someone does when he or she reaches the age of maturity whether it is in the political or the human sphere," she said. Noting the country’s need for new leadership and the support for it, she said, the movers behind the Third Force are signalling that, "They’re concerned about the racial insecurities in this country; that they have a desire to bridge the racial divide that has developed due to the dominance of the two major political forces in this country." Holder sees the Third Force having an impact on the upcoming elections particularly with the support of the young people. "I see evidence of young people likely to break away from the traditional positions taken by the parents. They are the ones driving the Third Force." She has no illusions, however, that the Third Force would be able to wipe out the PPP/C and the PNCR but, "Young people have come to realise they can craft out a niche for this Third Force [until they can find a name] that would give them an opportunity to play a crucial role in the future of this country." She is aware that there are die-hard supporters of the PPP/C and the PNCR who would never change. "They don’t care what the PNC or PPP do they would stick with them come what may. They are not going to shift on any arguments even if you presented them with evidence that from my perspective would be substantial to make anybody shift. They represent an older generation [who are] so locked into the old mindset of the PPP and the PNC that they do not even get to the point of being prepared to acknowledge that it has been detrimental to their own well-being." Holder said the Third Force was operating in a kind of political environment where threats are to be anticipated. "We’re not in a political environment where morality prevails… Any new political entity has to be aware that the current political environment is hostile; that it does not play fair; and that the political environment in which we are operating puts them at a disadvantage. "If they [Trotman and Ramjattan] start off from that position, they are informed and can design their strategies sensibly. To believe that you can change this political environment based on some preconceived notions of morality in sheep’s clothing, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage and you’re doomed to failure. I’m not going to fall for that trap. One has to be wise and to recognise politics for what politics is worth in this country." On the question of whether many now supporting the Third Force would on elections day return to the two major ethnically based parties, Holder said, "It is not for me to believe it. People get the government they deserve. If people do that they deserve what they get from the PPP if they put the PPP back in office. It is not within my power to predict how people behave but it is my responsibility to ensure that people are properly informed about the consequences of their behaviour. If they choose to vote race they have no leg to stand on when at a later date they themselves are subjected to racist treatment and racist behaviour. You must understand that this society is what it is because of how we the people behave. This society has not become as decadent as it has because of the PPP or the PNC. It is so because the people have allowed it and have embraced this kind of lawlessness and vulgarity." Taking a stand She feels it is time w:st=”on”>Guyana "takes a stand against [voting race] instead of running like cowards out of this country to the w:st=”on”> and every other country under the sun… What the Third Force is doing is giving people the opportunity to take that stand. That’s all we can do. The decision rests with the people. If the people choose to take the stand we have as those who offer ourselves for service the burden to deliver. If we don’t deliver, the people are obligated to get rid of us as well. People must understand that if they don’t want to execute their responsibility to themselves no one can help them." Asked how the WPA viewed her support for the Third Force, Holder said, "My personal view is that the WPA would be part of this new thing, if not the WPA, individual members of the WPA." She said many people who at one time or the other were associated with the WPA were now encouraging her to take the move forward with the Third Force. Some in the country and some residing overseas have indicated to her that they welcome the new force. Both Trotman and Ramjattan have been talking with the various political parties, including the WPA, and those discussions are ongoing, she said, adding, "I don’t intend to comment on those as I don’t want to jeopardise that. The WPA would have to make that decision to be or not to be a part of the Third Force. I would hope they would." Asked about giving up her seat in the National Assembly, Holder said some journalists have asked her about rumours that she has been given an ultimatum to give up her seat in parliament because of her public expression of support for the Ramjattan/Trotman combination. However, she said that there has been no such request from the executive of the WPA and any such request would be premature on the part of the WPA since there was no new political entity to which she was aligned even though she has expressed public support for the combination. Additionally, she represents an alliance and any request for her to give up the seat in parliament would have to come from the GAP/WPA alliance. Her relationship with the WPA was "an interesting one," she explained. She joined the GAP/WPA alliance under a citizens’ component and was never a WPA member. "Many who were part and parcel of that initiative kept their eyes on me, kept in touch with me and let me know how they feel on issues, particularly on my public utterances and my work in the National Assembly," she said. Before entering parliament on the WPA ticket, she was involved in the non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector spending 30 years working pro bono. "I am concerned about the welfare of our people or I would not have given so much of my life to that service; and my enthusiasm about moving in this direction is what I consider is needed in this country to lift our people out of the quagmire that we find ourselves in. I don’t need to be apologetic about that," she said. Parliament Asked whether she was satisfied with her work in the opposition, Holder said, "Sir Michael has hit the nail on the head. I am pleased that I resisted initial attempts made by some with whom I was associated to de-emphasise the importance of the National Assembly. There were people within [opposition parties], who think that the parliamentary work amounted to nothing much. They did not think that the environment was conducive to delivering what they thought needed to be delivered and therefore attempts were made to pull me out of the National Assembly but I resisted it and I stayed." She added that, "Because disillusionment of the parliament existed and there is that element of disillusionment within the WPA itself, attempts were made at times to persuade me that I was wasting my time in the National Assembly. I didn’t buy into that because I believed the only way the system could improve was to put it to the test… That is what I did and I thought it delivered some measurable benefits eventually. Had I not done so, the status quo would have remained the same." Even though she was representing the WPA component of the GAP/WPA alliance, Holder said basically, she was on her own in the National Assembly for the four years she was there. "One person who has given me a great deal of advice, whenever I requested it, was Brother Eusi Kwayana even though he is out of the country." The WPA in her opinion has a very liberal view on issues, which she benefited from because of the free rein to do as she saw necessary in the National Assembly. "Except on one occasion when I was asked to withdraw a motion to enquire into the [Ronald] Gajraj accusations about the death squad, which I withdrew, the WPA has never asked me to do anything instinctively that I found objectionable." On what has been her disappointment with parliament, she said, "the unwillingness of the PPP/C administration to be futuristic and to understand that the gains they had been able to bring to the parliament are insufficient. The PPP has a preoccupation with the past, a preoccupation with wallowing in their achievements as if that’s the be all and end all." Achievements, she said were measurable and if measured with the needs of the society; the performance of parliament and oversight functions, such as scrutinizing the executive; and keeping the parliament separate and distance from the executive, the government was still procrastinating and has not moved in that direction. Principles To say they answer questions when in the previous administration questions would be dumped in a waste paper basket does not advance the cause of society or make it more accountable and transparent. On her own political future, Holder said she started her political career very late but any political future for her will "be hinged to the needs of the society and we have to educate the people to play a far bigger role than they have played so far in the administration of this country whether it is at the civil society or political level." While she does not consider herself as having any special political gift, she declared that she lives her life on the basis of some fundamental principles in keeping with the Ten Commandments. She said she would not bear false witness against anyone. If that position benefits the PPP/C or the PNCR "so be it." Stating, too, that one should not kill, she said that she was not taking the revisionist view which would suggest that you must not kill an animal or a tree, she said, "God gave us dominion over the trees and the creatures of this earth and ‘Thou shall not kill’ means that we mustn’t kill our brothers and sisters whatever race they may be." Quite frankly, she said, the people who share this view "would recognise that the Lord Almighty has not prescribed any political party to deliver our people from the injustices to which our people have been subjected to over the umpteenth decades. All the other forces have tried and they have not brought us peace and harmony; they have not brought us economic development and prosperity, but instead have forced people to leave these shores in large numbers." She said that w:st=”on”>Guyana 40 years at the independence anniversary next year. "That has a great deal of biblical significance for those of us who believe in God Almighty. I believe that our people have grown up sufficiently to embrace that coming of age, that epoch, and that new movement waiting to take this nation out of the wilderness which we found ourselves in the last 40 years." 2006-01-10: AFC EMBARKS ON OUTREACH PROGRAMME The leadership and activists of the Alliance For Change (AFC) working in teams have commenced an intensive programme of outreach activities throughout the nation. The outreach work is meant to introduce the movement to communities and persons in areas not previously visited during the pre-launch listening tour. Visits have been planned and targeted based on requests received from members of these communities for the AFC to come and to interact with members of the public and supporters. The teams are led by members of the Steering Committee and will interface with members of the public to unveil the AFC’s platform for elections, to hear of issues confronting communities, and to work with leaders in the communities to find solutions to the problems being encountered. Since the commencement of the new year, areas visited include Maichony Creek to address concerns arising out of the flood, and West Coast Berbice. In the coming weeks, teams will fan out to cover the East Coast of Demerara, The Soesdyke/Linden Highway communities, Rupununi, Pomeroon, Mahadia, Kurupung, and communities in Region 1 (Barima/Waini). The AFC intends to field candidates in each of the electoral Regions, and will also be seeking to identify candidates to represent the movement both at the National and as well as Regional levels. Reports and photographs will be posted at the conclusion of each visit. January, 10, 2006 style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’>2006-01-09: Mahaicony Creek Flooding Some farmers consider pulling out of area …AFC distributes hampers (Kaiteur News) Some farmers of flood-hit Mahaicony Creek are contemplating leaving the area, while others fear that their properties may be seized by lending agencies because they are unable to repay their loans. The farmers expressed these fears on Saturday when Executive Members of the w:st=”on”>Alliance Ramjattan, Mrs. Sheila Holder and Mrs. Gaumatie Singh, visited the community to distribute flood relief hampers and to have a firsthand look at the crisis. According to some farmers, flooding in the community has worsened during the past 10 or 12 years. They said that as soon as they try to recover by taking loans to replant, the area would be flooded again. “Many of us have properties that are at very high risk of being seized by the bank and lending agencies, and the government did not even make a move to help us to come to some reasonable solution to get out of this mess,” one farmer said. “I don’t believe that all the flooding we have in this area came from the rainfall. Some is due to the negligence of officials and these persons must be held responsible for some of our losses and punishment.” Another farmer said that over 50 acres of his rice is completely destroyed and he already utilized more than 1,000 gallons of fuel in an effort to save the rest. He believes that even though some crops might be saved, they will not make any profit because so much is spent on trying to save them. “I will try and save some of my crops but what about those persons who don’t have millions left to invest in saving theirs?” he asked. “I think that after this flooding a serious change will be experienced in this area, either many farmers will leave or they will be forced to leave knowing that they don’t have the finances to replant their crops. “The contribution and visit by AFC has helped because listening to the plight of the people and helping them to find solutions to their problems has restored some hope in us today.” Yet another farmer who has lost millions due to the floods said many of the cattle, especially the calves, are stranded on small areas of land surrounded by flood waters and as a result they will die. He said over 50 acres of his crops are already destroyed and over 30 calves died. He anticipates more losses in a few more days. “This is serious suffering the people in this area are going through. It will be very difficult to pull ourselves out of this disaster. I have to spend over $1,500 a day just to send my child to a secondary school. “Tell me how we can manage this when so very often our livelihoods are destroyed by the floods. I think a lot more can be done by the government to prevent this flooding or even reduce it to an extent and I also think that they can do much more to help us at this point in time.” They alleged that only once have officials from the Government visited the area since the floods began. They were reportedly given $100,000 which they think is inadequate, considering their losses amount to millions. “The $100,000 compensation cannot even help us save our crops much less to help us replant or get back on track,” one man said. “At the moment we are concerned with having the water drained out of the area and none of that was discussed by the government official who visited. “They just come in and try to fool us by giving the money but they should have estimated our losses and then come in” one farmer said. The residents thanked the AFC executive members for the hampers and some remarked that at least somebody has their concerns in mind. Farmers are also complaining about the poorly maintained drainage systems in the area and additional water which they think was drained into the area from another area or possibly the conservancy. “The members of AFC really impressed us…they don’t have the resources and finances that are available to the government and yet they can come and help us.” The residents said they are also encountering several other problems in the area. AFC Executive Member Khemraj Ramjattan said the AFC will be following the flood closely and immediate arrangements will be made to distribute more relief to the residents who are severely affected. He pointed out that the AFC will also be visiting the area again since the interest and concerns of the people of are a first priority. 2006-01-28: The AFC has been engaged in meaningful dialogue with most of the opposition parties An open letter to Br. David Hinds
color:blue’> Dear David, Thank you for your interest in the future well being of the AFC and promoting the movement as having creditability and influence to change the political culture and landscape of w:st=”on”> At last count according to GECOM, some thirty-one political parties had registered their intention to face the electorate at the upcoming General and Regional Elections. Except for the two dinosaurs and a couple of others, you seem by your ommission, to have dismissed the other parties from sharing the political space, and being part of a possible National Unity Government that you are so eloquently promoting. For the records since last year the AFC has been engaged in meaningful dialogue with most of those opposition political parties that you identified in your letter of Jan. 25, 2006 (SN). Unfortunately the WPA though invited did not display any measure of good faith and/or commitment, and opted not to be part of these engagements giving the seat issue as the basis for non-engagement. The AFC leadership did not set any terms or preconditions for current engagements with other parties. Fortunately for the process, every representative who participated, rejected outright the terms and conditions for participating, which had been proposed by the WPA – What Irony! The critical issue is not the political posturing of the WPA and you, as their mouthpiece, on a Government of National Unity, which you have so justifiably presented as the only hope for w:st=”on”> that unity of oneness and committment to ethnic security, social and economic advancement, which the Guyanese electorate and those in the Diaspora are expecting from all parties occupying the political space in Incidentally, it is well known that the AFC has never shied away from a discussion on the issue of a Government of National Unity and has repeatedly stated its commitment to work towards the establishment of the framework of such a government. The AFC has listened, and Guyanese at home and abroad are of one voice which is that – It is Time for Change! Most agree that the two monoliths have had their chance and both failed miserably. That is why the space was created for you and the WPA starting almost three decades ago and now for the AFC and a few others. The last thing anyone wishes to see at this crucial time is a crab-in-a-barrel mentality. This is not the vision of the AFC and its Agenda For Change. The AFC avails itself to continue meaningful dialogue with the other political parties and looks forward to the WPA participating even at this stage, it is never too late. Youre faithfully, Steering Committee Alliance For Change 2005-10-30: w:st=”on”>Alliance style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:#0031FF’> presidential candidate By Miranda La Rose (Stabroek News) Sunday, October 30th 2005 Khemraj Ramjattan is the Leader and Chairman of the newly-launched Alliance For Change (AFC), while his colleague Raphael Trotman, is the party’s presidential candidate. The announcements were made at the official launching of the party at the Ocean View Hotel and Convention Centre, Liliendaal yesterday morning. Trotman, who along with Ramjattan outlined the party’s vision, said the ceremony was not the launching of a political party but the birth of a movement of consciousness that says the people have had enough and want their due of respect, equality, prosperity and security. WPA MP Sheila Holder, who worked with the AFC in its establishment, chaired the programme which included prayers by the three major religious groups, Christian, Hindu and Muslim. The packed auditorium included special invitees, members of the diplomatic community and members of the AFC from various parts of the country. The auditorium was decorated in the party’s green and gold colours. Twenty-two year-old Ryan Samuels gave his perspective on the AFC, saying he had felt "left out" of the older political parties and as such had opted to join the AFC instead. The AFC’s leadership style would see its prime ministerial and presidential candidates, if successful in their bid to form a government, each hold office for half a term. After that they would switch posts. Similarly, Ramjattan said, if the presidential candidate were only to be elected opposition leader, that office too would be held by the presidential candidate for half the term and thereafter be transferred to the prime ministerial candidate. He said the party took this position conscious that unless innovation in political procedure and arrangements was created, the racial and ethnic divide would persist. These decisions, he said, were agreed to by the party’s steering committee and were to be ratified by the party’s membership. Apart from Holder, Ramjattan and Trotman, the party’s steering committee includes attorney-at-law, Gaumattie Singh; television station owner, Anthony Vieira; administrator, Chantalle Smith and economist and former finance minister in the PPP/C administration, Asgar Ally. Strategic goals Outlining the party’s strategic goals, Ramjattan listed one of them as being improving the living standards of Guyanese from US$600 per capita to US$6,000 per capita within ten years. This was to be done through the introduction of information technology and market linkages, and then through high productivity. The party intends to achieve balanced and sustainable development of all regions and all people as far as possible; ensure an economically just society in which there is fair and equitable distribution of the wealth of the nation and full partnership in economic progress; and substantial investment in education and human resources to support the needs of the changing society and a competitive economy. The party also intends to restore independence, confidence and integrity to the existing government and state institutions and to establish new and appropriate institutions to protect and advance the constitutional rights and freedoms of all Guyanese. It also aims to reconfigure and strengthen the processes and institutions which would enhance and guarantee the people’s representation; and bring respectability to the judicial process and the rule of law by the timely dispensation of justice. Ramjattan said an action plan along with mechanisms and processes to realize these strategic goals was far from complete, but a major effort was ongoing to ensure completion within a couple of months. The AFC would conduct a public consultation with major stakeholders in determining its final action plan in relation to its economic, social and political platform. This was mandatory in view of the demand for a new dispensation in w:st=”on”> politics, he said. Referring to the view held by some that they had been sluggish, Ramjattan assured the audience that they had actually been hard at work, understanding and formulating a cluster of strategic goals to make develop as a nation. He addressed the issue of a diversified agricultural sector and industrialisation in relation to the AFC economic platform, which, he said, was based largely on private sector enterprise with the state being the facilitator. Noting that the National Development Strategy was still a useful document, he said the basic building blocks and guiding principles on which the strategy had been based no longer existed, and there was need to revise its strategies and policies. Noting that funds were available to achieve the party’s strategic goals, Ramjattan said an analysis of the state’s finances revealed that $.2 billion per month was lost through ill-advised and misconceived enforcement procedures at almost every revenue-collecting institution, the biggest being the Guyana Revenue Authority. With the political will, he said, this situation could be corrected. Additionally, the Guyanese diaspora’s contribution through remittances was another source to tap for nation building. The adoption of innovative methods to "fund ourselves out of poverty" was not being done by the government at present, though the head of the Poverty Alleviation Committee was paid the sum of about $2.6 million per month. Vision Apologising for levelling accusations at the PNCR over the attacks on his home recently, Trotman said: "We have become impatient and intemperate making utterances that are hurtful and unnecessary, as even I have regrettably done quite recently. Like a spent arrow, the spoken word could never be recalled but one should be able to say sorry." Addressing concerns and discussions about his continued involvement in the affairs of the National Assembly, Trotman said that as Speaker Ralph Ramkarran had given his ruling on the matter of his disqualification, he believed the time was propitious for Leader of the PNCR Robert Corbin and himself to meet, "as he recently proposed, to discuss and decide as mature and responsible representatives of our respective constituencies, my resignation from the Assembly. I hope that he would keep his promise to meet and speak." While he awaits that information, he said he intended to keep himself gainfully occupied with the people’s business by advancing the cause of public access to information, accountability and transparency in government. He spoke too of the crime situation in w:st=”on”>Guyana and the need to mount a strong and united defence against it; the need for indigenous peoples to be recognized and accepted as the first peoples of w:st=”on”>Guyana respect and not handouts and prescriptions; and of a tiredness with the old politics. He outlined the party’s vision which he said was no different from that of Martin Luther King Jnr’s dream for the betterment of the people. Noting that in recent times, he and Ramjattan had been described as "wish-wash rejects" and would be accused of every possible crime and vice, he said that if there were believers, Psalm 118 reminded us that "the stone which the builder refused is to become the headstone of the corner." He said that having walked the country and listened to the voices of the people, the AFC believed that Guyanese wanted the emergence of a new political consciousness and a wholesome form of government which would peel away the layers of old hatreds and old wrongs, political recrimination, finger-pointing, killings, corruption, mismanagement and lawlessness. The AFC, he said, intends to bring this vision into reality. Interest of the people Also addressing the issue of seats in Parliament, Ramjattan said when they were elected members of the National Assembly, their respective parties regarded them as worthy representatives of the people. "Surely it cannot be presumed that we were selected into the National Assembly to represent our respective party’s interest over and above the people’s interest or the national interest. This is precisely why the party which selected us cannot terminate our duty to represent the people and the national interest in the National Assembly on the ground of party disaffiliation." He added that the constitution did not give power of removal to political parties. He said there was constitutional recognition of the fact that in the National Assembly the interest of the people was greater than the interest of the party. That was why there was no prohibition against any member of the National Assembly voting inconsistently with the party’s other members, or refraining from voting consistently with them. He argued those MPs who perceived themselves as representatives of their respective parties rather than representatives of the people were subscribers to the concept of party paramountcy and the democratic centralist doctrine, and were corroding and eroding the essence of parliamentary democracy. As such, he said, the call for himself and Trotman to vacate their seats on the narrow grounds of disaffiliation from parties was misconceived. He gave the assurance that they would continue to occupy their seats in Parliament until such time as they individually decided to vacate, "if ever we so decide." He said that because of old contorted politics, national interest was being subverted for partisan party interests. For that reason, the Procurement Commission was not constituted or operational so that awards of contracts were not scrutinised, among other reasons. The launching ceremony also featured a number of greetings from friends and well-wishers in w:st=”on”>United Kingdom, the w:st=”on”>Grenada, the Cayman Islands, w:st=”on”>Finland and w:st=”on”>Denmark There was also a video documentary of greetings from the local constituency from various parts of the country and a Hilton Hemerding song sung by Sharon Archer with musical accompaniment by Trevor John. 2006-1-3:A href=”2006-01-03.htm”> lliance aims high w:st=”on”>Issue, Free Press ( Edition) style=’font-size:13.5pt’> for change? Popular and passionate, a helpless cry rises in protest among young Guyanese, wanting urgent reform – deep change within the nation’s political culture Elections come next year. And the old habits of the old parties live on – divisive ethnic voting patterns. The incumbent Party, the People’s Progressive Party, and the main Opposition, the People’s National Congress, defend the system as it suits them, it seems, changing rules only to preserve themselves in power This forms the impression of the young Guyanese today – a disdain apathy towards the political culture that has stifled the glorious talent of a creative and powerful people. The nation from all economic indicators continues to sink. Crime fills the national media with gory stories every day Corruption and brutality and bad manners and a sickening slide in public morals sink the ship of state into a state of pathetic beggarliness Along comes two young men with ideals and ideas and plans on how to fix things They approach their seniors in the ranks into which they had decided to serve, and expressed revolutionary ideas of reforming the dreaded political culture But, alas, new thought does not find a welcome mat at the doorstep of the w:st=”on”>Guyana that drives 87 percent of skilled citizens to “better pastures” overseas blocked any progress they planned But these two young men fight for what they believe in. Raphael Trotman decides to stand on his own independent feet against his political superiors at Place. And as if fate has deemed it time for w:st=”on”> experience a revolution, Khemraj Ramjattan decides to toll some bells at Freedom House Neither Trotman nor Ramjattan found dancers for their tunes. Instead, they both got unceremoniously kicked out. The unimaginative, uncreative, stifling bureaucratic monster reared its head and sternly rebuked these young reformers for even daring to speak up against the stultifying system But a nation’s cry rang in the ears of these two young men. So they joined forces, almost two strange bedfellows, and decided to form an For Change. Finding strong support among the people whose cries they had answered, Trotman and Ramjattan launched the w:st=”on”>Alliance challenge the old horses at next year’s elections They have started with gutsy courage, enterprising enthusiasm and lively faith They believe with passion that they will make a change and steer into a future of bright hope Joining them on this mission, a band of likeminded leaders pledged to support them every step of the way. Sheila Holder, a veteran advocate for consumers’ rights in Guyana, and an excellent parliamentarian for another opposition party herself, joined the band that trooped over to the Alliance For Change camp Holder, Ramjattan and Trotman became household names overnight, largely because they refused to give up their parliamentary seats. They had won these seats under the banner of the old parties, and those parties wanted back those seats Trotman gave his up last week. Ramjattan and Holder are holding on to theirs, “for now” A nation’s destiny lies outside deliberate plans. And Guyana’s destiny may very well have reached a tipping point when Holder, Trotman and Ramjattan found themselves companions on a 36- hour flight from Guyana to Finland. The three ended up together because they “were picked” to represent Guyana at a seminar dealing with parliament and poverty “We were in the first class section of the plane for a very long flight. And so we ended up talking. And here were three Members of Parliament, from three opposing parties, saying exactly the same thing about Guyana’s problems. We found we were agreeing on what needs to be done,” Holder said Holder talks with great animation about the Alliance. She believes in its purpose heart and soul She was on a whirlwind tour of Toronto recently to set up initial contacts for the three of them to officially visit Toronto and spread their message, sometime early next year She graciously granted an exclusive interview to Guyana Free Press, after Canadian-Guyanese community leader Derek Kowlessar talked to her Holder said that the Finland trip caused herself, Ramjattan and Trotman to work together, and their alliance on that mission forged them together. They found that their ideas were similar, and they wanted the same things for their nation “Our aim is for the alliance to bridge the ethnic divide that has afflicted this nation,” Holder said She said people are responding to the Alliance in its early days with enthusiasm and hope. “The Movement has given people a lot of hope. I believe that we have a realistic chance of winning the elections” Holder said that “parliament has been dysfunctional” and this system of representation must change “In parliament, issues are voted on based on party position, not to affect the best interest of the people,” she said Holder, a staunch member of the Working People’s Alliance before she joined the Alliance For Change, said this is a different time than when Walter Rodney tried to initiate similar changes in Guyana’s political culture. Rodney was killed in a political assassination “This is a new chance and people recognize that We have been given a new chance to get our house in order,” she said The trio believe so much in their mission that they journeyed last month to the US – to meet with noted figures in Washington. They met with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, State Department officials and members of the overseas Guyanese community in New York and Washington “We saw extraordinary success in those meetings,” Holder said Holder believes that “Guyana as a society is at the point of failure. Crime and corruption pose the biggest problems facing us. We need to see a God-fearing, honest, decent government manage the affairs of the nation,” she said “It saddens me to see what has become of my country. I have served for 30 years in voluntary work And I wanted to see the country achieve good things. It breaks my heart to see where we are as a people today” But Holder refuses to give up. Just like she did under Rodney’s leadership, she has agreed to throw her weight behind the Alliance For Change to heal the gapping wounds crippling a nation that can achieve so much if the right leadership can govern. 2006-1-23: Letter to Commissioner of Police after visit to Fort Island, Essequibo style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’> The Commissioner of Polic style=’font-size:13.5pt’>e Mr. Winston Felix, DSM Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown. Dear Sir, On behalf of the Executive and members of the Alliance For Change, I bring you belated New Year’s Greetings and a pledge of support for your work in the months ahead. This year will test the mettle and character of most of us and we have every confidence that you, your officers and ranks, will discharge your duties in the highest professional manner. Our particular purpose for writing is to address the issue of the besieging of Fort Island, Essequibo River on December, 23, 2005, and the horrific crimes which were committed there. No doubt you are familiar with this event. Having visited the island recently, we undertook to bring to your attention the following issues on behalf of victims and members of the community: Residents remain traumatized and insufficiently advised as to the state of the investigation and prosecution of the perpetrator apprehended thus far. There needs to be an update as to the progress of the investigation. We suggest for your consideration, that a team visits the island on a confidence building exercise. Articles recovered to date including, outboard motors and cell phones, have not been returned and are desperately needed. We suggest that you consider issuing an instruction that the articles be returned forthwith, after being photographed and the necessary markings placed thereon. That consideration is given to the placement of an outpost on the Island, or for an increase in river patrols to assure the residents that there is a measure of security in place. A complaint was made that on the night of the incident a call placed to the Parika Police Station revealed that only one rank was on duty and he expressed helplessness at being able to respond. Fort Island houses historical structures and sites which have been declared national monuments. A police presence on the island would be very reassuring to tourists and residents alike. id=”_x0000_i1026″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_0.jpg”>That the idea of a community policing group be given serious consideration including, assistance in its formation and training of members. Those suitable members of the community are identified for the granting of firearm licences. It is our information that some members have already forwarded applications. We trust that you will interpret these issues raised in the helpful context in which they are intended. We offer our assistance in any way that you may find useful for addressing them, or any other matters that may arise. Yours Respectfully, Mr. Raphael Trotman Alliance For Change height=1 id=”_x0000_i1027″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_1.jpg” align=””> border=0 width=4 height=1 id=”_x0000_i1028″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_2.jpg” align=””> Waddell murder (Stabroek News) Dear Editor, In my letter published on Thursday, February 9, I said the following: "It is indeed ‘unfortunate’ that after hearing so much about the Alliance for Change, we haven’t heard them take a public stand on the execution of Ronald Waddell in this, an election year. I am willing to retract this if indeed I missed it in the newspaper reports or if they did issue a statement and it wasn’t reported." I have since received the following from Sheila Holder of the AFC: "Please be advised that as leader of the AFC, Khemraj did issue an immediate public statement of condemnation of Waddell’s murder on the electronic media. "It appeared on a newscast the night after the murder became known and was broadcast in full on the AFC programme, ‘Alliance On The Move’ a couple days later. Raphael and others were out of the country on business during this period. "Khemraj Ramjattan in fact called for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to move quickly to solve this brutal murder and not allow this one in particular go the route of the others that were left unsolved but to bring the perpetrators to justice to give some level of satisfaction to Waddell’s grieving family and supporters. He expressed sympathy to them and also called on Waddell’s supporters to use restraint and not to retaliate as an eye for an eye would leave us all blind; but allow the GPF to do the job that was expected of them. "He also asked that the GPF increase their presence in East Coast villages in order to deter any wanton acts of recrimination. Of course you know Noel and I attended the funeral to represent the AFC…" I would like to publicly acknowledge this response. Yours faithfully, Alissa Trotz 2006-2-1 style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’>7: The leaders of the Alliance have been on the road since the launch introducing themselves to Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora ( News) Dear Editor, The heightened interest being displayed in the activities of the Alliance For Change (AFC) is indeed refreshing. Such interest can only serve to energize and propel us further. The AFC has recognized contributions to the daily newspapers by Bro. Dr. David Hinds, an uncharacteristically benevolent article by Stella Ramsaroop, the concerns of Dr. Alissa Trotz following the slaying of Ronald Waddell, and recently, the more expansive review by F. Skinner now being supported by Paul Ramsaroop. As an aside, I have to concede that it is beginning to appear that the Ramsaroop family’s concern for the survival of the AFC is genuine. We view these interests and the sometimes stinging criticisms as actual displays of genuine concern and support for the AFC, as we are undoubtedly and expectedly being held to a higher standard than is required by all others. I hope Stella would not be offended if I borrow from her article in the Kaieteur News of Feb. 5, 2006, when she quite aptly stated of the AFC "…the people’s third force alternative lies squarely on your shoulders now." Certainly, when the AFC was launched in October, 2005 those who participated in the ceremony and were in attendance felt the weight of responsibility that had been transferred from the shoulders of those who had been battling for a breakthrough for decades, to the shoulders of those of us in the AFC, and other parties, who have taken up the cause because we believe that Guyana can only survive if administered a strong injection of a healing serum. The AFC has never doubted for one moment the significance and magnitude of the task, and quite frankly we have found it to be a humbling and at times an intimidating experience; yet we are persevering nevertheless. Today, some months on, the AFC remains intact despite every attempt to disturb and destroy it. We have thankfully remained on friendly terms with all parties which formed the now defunct GTF platform and resolve not to allow our relations with any party to disintegrate into open hostility though the provocations will be ever present. The principals and other leaders of the movement have been on the road since its launch, introducing ourselves to Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora, and have commenced the arduous task of raising finance to fund our activities. We have been busy engaging and attempting to recruit the best minds and abilities to support and enable us to discharge the burden of responsibility that has been placed squarely on our shoulders. One truism which we accept is that we cannot do it alone, and it was to our great disappointment when the GTF platform went "caput," as Stella described its unfortunate downfall. Despite differences in approach, the AFC intends to continue to engage all the former members of the GTF and others, in our quest to do what is best in Guyana’s interest. Admittedly, we have not been doing enough to give prominence to publicly communicate our position on issues and are taking steps to remedy this situation. However, we have made various pronouncements included in the speeches at our Launch, released information to the media, and distributed materials. Unfortunately, because many persons living abroad feed on the material placed on the online versions of the newspapers, and on second and third hand information provided from friends and relatives, they are most likely to miss the facts as they are, as was recently the case with my sister Alissa a week ago. As patriotic and caring Guyanese we in the AFC are concerned about crime and security, the economy and job creation, and good governance as being the issues occupying the minds of our brothers and sisters. To this end, the AFC is studying and refining every useful comment and recommendation on the above and more, that has been made by all stake holders whether they be in, or out, of Guyana. We have stated the AFC’s position against the call for an electoral boycott, long before others expressed their views. We have condemned violence in all its forms, and at every available opportunity so much so that on a recent visit to Buxton, the AFC was invited to help mend relations with neighbouring communities; and have now publicly called for national healing and reconciliation in a recently published advertisement (SN & KN of Sun. Feb. 12, 2006). Representatives of the AFC have travelled literally from Corriverton to the borders of Venezuela and Brazil and have entered villages and towns not because we wanted to share footballs and trophies, but because we were invited by the people to hear from them their anguish about how they feel about the decay that has set in on the body of our motherland, and of their sanguine expressions of hope for a change. We acknowledge that all questions raised must be answered. Our commitment to the notion of servant leadership has compelled us to adopt a bottom- up approach for inputs to influence and contribute to designing an action- plan for change and development. We must listen to the voices of those who have experienced and suffered the most from the degradation that has taken place over the decades. We recognize the need for expert advice from those at home and just as importantly, from those abroad and this is where the Stellas, Alissas, Davids, Skinners and Pauls, will prove invaluable if they decide to put their shoulders to the wheel. With the AFC putting its best foot forward, and with their invaluable assistance, we would be able to provide all the answers to the questions and more in the most reasonable timeframe. The AFC therefore urges all those who believe in the inevitability of change and transformation not to snipe at it, but to blow wind into its sails by offering encouragement, objective criticism and tangible support. With the right attitude, support, faith, and timing, all things are possible. Individuals who have an interest in the AFC and its activities may contact us directly at our offices at 354 Cummings Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Guyana; telephone (592) – 225 – 0452 or 225 – 0455, or by email at alliance4change @yahoo.com; or by visiting our website www.afcguyana.com; or securing a copy of our monthly publication The Key. Remember, Choose Change …It’s Time! Yours faithfully, Raphael Trotman Chairman now – Trotman By Miranda La Rose (Stabroek News) Alliance for Change Chairman Raphael Trotman is passionate about Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation and a bill that seeks to bring this about, a labour of love for the AFC, is to be tabled as a private member’s bill. "Our main duty is to bring this bill to the place of the peoples’ representatives and we would like to see how the peoples’ representatives react to a bill that is going to open up press freedoms and so on," Trotman said in an interview with Stabroek News on Monday. AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan has presented the bill to the Clerk of the National Assembly. Ramjattan, who was expelled from the PPP/C and another AFC principal Sheila Holder, who formerly represented GAP/WPA, have refused to give up their seats in Parliament. And while Trotman acknowledged that it was an issue, which was not going to go away completely, he said the AFC was continuing to review it. "We continue to act in what we think is best for the movement and what the people want," he said. While Ramjattan’s absence is noticeable in Parliament at many sittings, Trotman said he was pressing forward "with the work that we have committed to; he is seeing it [the FOI bill] through. That bill is before the Clerk’s office to be sent to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel Office for review." Trotman, who had resigned from the PNCR, had also held on to his seat in the House for a while before withdrawing as he had promised he would do. He said the withdrawal of the others would be in keeping with their internal arrangements to pilot the bill through Parliament and in time they would follow suit. Told that there were other MPs in Parliament and within the opposition who could have piloted the FOI bill, such as ROAR MP Ravi Dev, who some feel the government and the main opposition would have been more inclined to support, Trotman said that argument was "disingenuous". He said no other MP had ever proposed, offered to draft, or had been involved in drafting such a bill. "This is our labour. We have also received assistance from the Human Rights Initiative. They are in contact with us two or three times a week. So we have a commitment. It is a private member’s bill. It is something we feel strongly about. While we feel others would take it through we recognise that the others have never in the past identified it as an issue that they wanted," he said. Asked whether he thought an "AFC" bill would get the required support for enactment, Trotman said, "I’ll tell you what is important. What is important is that a FOI bill sees the light of day in Guyana. If the government is as backward enough to shoot it down…well then it just adds another nail in its coffin." If the main opposition went the same route, he said, in 2006 when the cries of corruption, nepotism and cronyism are so alive and rampant, then, its members too, would have to give an account of themselves. Asked whether the AFC drafters consulted other MPs, Trotman said some of them behaved as though the FOI bill was not needed. Trotman added: "We have shown it to some stakeholders in civil society. It is posted on our website. When we get a signal from the Speaker that it is ready, we intend to hold public symposia on the issue. We are going through the various stages." Elections Asked whether the AFC would support the call for a boycott of the general elections due by August 4 this year, he noted that the party had already said it was not in favour of a boycott based on ethnic grounds which appealed to one ethnic group in society only. "That would only reinforce the division rather than help the situation," he said. He said the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA), which put forward the notion in the first instance, should have called for a national boycott, which would have given it credibility, rather than appeal to a section of society. While he could appreciate where ACDA was coming from and the frustration it was expressing given the fact that after three successive elections the lot of Guyanese of African descent has not improved, he said there was a growing sense that the utility of political parties and elections was lost and what was played out at elections was an ethnic census. "We share ACDA’s concerns and sympathise but believe that true power could be shown at the elections rather than staying away from it," he added. Asked about alliances and why the AFC was not part of the Guyana Third Force Platform, Trotman said the platform was launched before the AFC was, so it could not have been part of the initial process. However, he said, after the AFC was launched a series of meetings were held between the AFC and the GTF; the last one was in December when the GTF members asked for a postponement of the talks because of an internal issue they wanted to resolve. He believed the internal issue had to do with GAP Leader Paul Hardy leaving the platform. He said when he last spoke with Vision Guyana Leader and member of the GTF platform Peter Ramsaroop at a Miami airport, Ramsaroop confirmed there would be no further meetings between the GTF and the AFC since the notion of what the GTF stood for was lost. Alliances Trotman said it was not a case where the AFC refused to be a part of the GTF and while some had objections to the AFC coming on board until Ramjattan and Holder had left Parliament, it was not seen as a stumbling block to discussions. But since the GTF platform has more or less collapsed, Trotman said, the AFC has been making itself available for political unions or collaborative efforts. The AFC has had talks with the Justice For All Party (JFAP), GAP, ROAR and the Unity Party. "All are led by persons and have persons within who are making or could make a contribution to Guyana," he said. Asked whether the AFC was courting these political parties to join the movement, he said the ideal was to have everybody under one banner but barring that the next best thing would be to have a working relationship for a common purpose with a preagreed agenda should they get into Parliament. But isn’t that going back to the GTF platform set up? Trotman replied that even though the third force concept came from Ramjattan and himself about two years "predating Peter Ramsaroop’s platform" they never claimed ownership of it. "We don’t say we have copyright for it. At the end of the day, the most important thing is a working relationship of third, middle, or, centrist parties, which do not cleave to the two major parties." He said all the political parties that stand in the middle and are prepared to offer themselves as an alternative to the PPP/C and the PNCR would be friends of the AFC in the preelections period. In the postelections scenario, he said, the AFC would have to work with them all. "We are not out to destroy the PPP or the PNCR," he said. "We are out to change the political system so much so that if at the end of this exercise the PNCR and the PPP/C collate, or start to speak to each other, we would have been successful. We intend to create space between them. It is for the people to decide how wide that space would be in terms of how many seats they are going to give us. Both parties have people who are quite worthy." On current engagements, he said the AFC was enthused with the way discussions were going and were moving to formal talks. However, he said the fight was not for one group only and they could either go as a union or as groups within a given set of rules. In terms of preparations for the elections, he said that apart from administrative matters, the AFC was benefiting from the advice of some external campaign strategists. To date, he said, outreach programmes have had positive results and have penetrated traditional PPP/C or PNC strongholds. These include some support in the Corentyne, West Coast Berbice and sections of the community in Essequibo, Pomeroon, Port Kaituma, Mabaruma and the North Rupununi. He said the support was encouraging but there was need to consolidate it. On the remarks by PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar that the upcoming elections would be a contest between the PPP/C and the PNCR with no space for the smaller parties as they have created no impact, Trotman said he disagreed based on surveys and meeting with the people. He said people would either reject the third force change concept or accept it all together. Stating that Ramotar would be proven wrong, he said he was aware that the PPP/C continued to pay keen interest to the AFC’s activities and was worried. Even the Bisram opinion poll showed that the PPP/C was not likely to get the 51% of votes required to form the government, he said. To charges that the AFC was bringing nothing new to the political stage, Trotman said the AFC was going to push the issue of healing and reconciliation, atonement and forgiveness and call on the people to do likewise and put aside grievances and race hate. Already, he said, leaders in Buxton have asked the AFC to help heal relationships with Annandale and the process has begun. provided yeoman service as a Member of Parliament (Stabroek News) style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’> Dear Editor, I am aware that Mrs. Sheila Holder, GAP-WPA MP and the WPA whose women leaders identified her as a likely MP, are now at variance. This letter will steer clear of that issue and of reports of what her new platform thinks of the WPA. I simply wish to make sure that the contribution of persons who do good work in any area be not clouded by issues that arise later. Her breach with the WPA does not erase the work that she did. I did not know Mrs. Holder well before she became politically active. I wish to say some things about her, as a newcomer to national politics. As an MP Sheila Holder has been zealous, hardworking, alert and competent. She reads every official document and always has a living grasp of the issues. She reads the Auditor General’s Reports and seeks out and obtains information relating to the work of the National Assembly, and the welfare of the country. She is not shy of economic, financial or budgetary issues, memoranda of understanding, documents from the multilateral or international financial agencies, and of procedure; she has harried the Ministers with questions and has been always articulate in communicating. I know of her efforts along with a few other MPs to implement the changes to the constitution made by the CRC. When I was in the Rodney House as general political handyman and co-opted member of the Executive, we visited several villages, often with Desmond Trotman, the Centre Manager and my fellow office jumbie. We even began trying to make young people in three West Coast Berbice villages aware of the threat of HIV and AIDS. She drove us there, as we had no other transport. With a public-spirited supporter of the GAP-WPA, Richard Finemesser, a non-member, she followed the WPA tradition of ongoing service to the remote Pakaraimas, Region Eight, and assisted in the formation of an empowering local organisation among the residents. She frequently lamented the failure of the Parliament Office to serve her fellow MP from the Rupununi. Her request for office space at parliament building, refused by the Speaker on suspicion, showed the narrow concept of the rights of MPs and thus of the people they are seen as representing. I know nothing of her early, formal preparation. From the news she has been known as a consumer activist, an area also occupying the talents and competence of an exceptional Guyanese resource, Ms Eileen Cox, Mr. Pat Dyal and others. This pursuit seemed to penetrate every aspect of public life often involving the thorny and complicated issues of utility regulation. It will be no exaggeration to say that, because of the decision of the main opposition to boycott most sittings of the Assembly in line with their view of things, for much of the time a handful of MPs often one, carried much of the weight and brunt of the attempts in the National Assembly to make the government accountable. Since no one else may be willing in these circumstances to speak of Mrs Holder’s service to the country I do it, aware that the politics of the letter may be misunderstood. Elsewhere I have regretted that MP Mrs Backer’s most ingenious motion on the conduct of the Guyana Police Force has never been debated, first because of the government’s stubborn refusal for about a year to bring it forward and next because of her own party’s boycott of the Assembly. A timely debate on that issue would certainly have made a difference. Two years of negative developments might have been avoided or might have taken place in quite another context. I suspect that some of the personalities named in this letter might not have chosen to be read on the same page as others. I have not spoken of similar persons, but of persons whose service may have gone unnoticed. I hope that this qualifies it as a non-partisan or politically neutral letter. The PPP also has resourceful women, but they have been too cramped until recently with democratic centralism, as we were reminded by Dr. Luncheon. Yours faithfully, Eusi Kwayana Change is willing to assist in crafting a strategy to stave off anarchy (Stabroek News Dear Editor, If one is to take President Jagdeo’s recent fulminations on crime, security, and politics at the sacred Babu John Memorial site seriously, one would believe that there is no government and leadership in Guyana. The President’s analysis is that the real power is growing out of the barrels of guns held in the hands of a guerrilla force operating under the auspices of the opposition parties of Guyana. The nation expects that the Head-of-State and Commander in-Chief will display greater strength in times of national upheaval and not be given to irresponsible and unsubstantiated outbursts. To date, there are approximately thirty opposition parties intending to contest the upcoming elections. To believe that one or more of them may be involved in unlawful, insurrectionist activities is a serious charge which must be fully investigated and proven, failing which, an apology should be issued forthwith. Certainly, in Guyana we have seen a remarkable increase in the level and frequencies of crimes all of which have certain common features namely, the use of force and the use of weapons, including the lethal AK-47 assault rifle. The question is whether these crimes, as they are still described, have a political motive or edge to them. In October, 2004, the Commissioner of Police made remarks to suggest that the criminal elements on the East Coast had a political agenda. This sentiment is now being echoed by the President. If what they say is true then we are in serious trouble and something must be done urgently and immediately to avert the coming anarchy. Insurgencies take root and thrive where there are governments that are incompetent, corrupt, and place continued enjoyment of power ahead of making changes and reforms that would negate the insurgent’s appeal. Most experts agree that a viable insurgency has three defining characteristics: 1. style=’font:7.0pt “Times New Roman”‘> style=’font-size:13.5pt’>It is organized as seen from signs of planning, a hierarchy of command, and a distribution of function within its ranks. 2. style=’font:7.0pt “Times New Roman”‘> style=’font-size:13.5pt’>It relies on armed force to advance its cause. This armed force is usually deployed in the countryside. 3. style=’font:7.0pt “Times New Roman”‘> style=’font-size:13.5pt’>The activity is not a brief affair, but lasts for years. A cursory examination of Guyana’s circumstances establishes the presence of one or more of these characteristics. This in itself does not point to any political agenda to remove the existing government, or to re-arrange the political status quo. Experts have been careful to point to the fact that criminal gangs involved in kidnappings, narco-trafficking, and robbery are just as organized, and can also have the self same characteristics as an insurgent force. However, where we are, and what we are to do about it, are matters that should concern all of Guyana’s leaders. Rather than repeating unsubstantiated generalizations we need an intelligence led operation to ascertain and analyse what is taking place in Guyana. With the daring and spectacular assault on the East Bank seen in conjunction with the disappearance of 33 AK-47’s and an assortment of handguns, the fear that grips Guyana is palpable and can be felt everywhere. Of all the weapons most feared, is the AK-47 which is often described as the world’s most popular assault rifle capable of indiscriminately firing 600 rounds per minute. One realistic observation put forward as to the AK’s awesomeness is: "There it is, the AK-47. When you absolutely, positively, have to kill every single person in the room, accept no substitute." The military has a lot of explaining to do and seems oddly enough more interested in who on the outside could have moved the weapons, than on those on the inside, who must have assisted in carrying out the crime of the millennium. Since the disclosure of the loss we have seen photographs published and heard of DNA testing of heaps of human waste, but little else as to the serial numbers of the weapons, and the names, ranks, and photographs of the persons within the military who ought to be persons of interest. The continued presence of these weapons on the streets of Guyana is a matter of grave concern as we witness the steady drift into lawlessness and anarchy. Every person, every organization, and every leader, has a duty to stand united against those who would bring our country into chaos. The Alliance For Change extends its support to the security forces in their fight and remains ready, willing, and able to assist in crafting a strategy to stave off the coming anarchy. It would be remiss and irresponsible of us if we did not take the opportunity to point out that systems have been too lax and someone must be held responsible. This situation if left alone without drastic intervention has the potential to plunge this country into an unprecedented dark and dangerous period. Yours faithfully, Raphael Trotman Change and the fine art of sales By Paul Sanders (Caribbean Daylight) style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’> Oh my gosh! We have found a new gig that pitches tasty foods, delightful drinks and a great company of men and women who are just party animals. The “party” part is more important than the “animals” part. There’s a reason for that. Last weekend, the Mangoville Lounge was jamming with Caribbean rhythms and brimming over with a colorful cast of Indo and Afro Guyanese folks celebrating change. Lots of changes too! The food was strictly Indian with a marvelous touch of authentic Indo-Afro Guyanese blend, fusing tradition and technique. It was one of those “home-grown” flavors that is a huge departure and a fascinating time-out from the rum-shop/cookshop “authentic Guyanese cuisine” that clutter the Richmond Hill – and some neighborhoods in Brooklyn -areas. Well, that’s a good change. Celebration, c’mon! But one thing remains unchanged in these get-togethers. The bar is literally a watering hole for real party animals. Like desert creatures anticipating a long, scorching trip in the sun, the guys were guzzling up drinks and stockpiling them in their body reservoir for the long haul. In a sense, the bar was an oasis, and no one was moving until they were completely replenished. The fundraising dinner that benefited the Alliance for Change was in many ways a grand event – and a great adventure in exploring Indo-Afro relations. Like the aroma of curry and the different flavors of true Guyanese ingredients, Indo and Afro Guyanese were participating with each other, exchanging notes, toasting and working together on a formula to get rid of the disease that’s eating Guyana. So how is it possible that folks were writing out checks much bigger than their week’s salary? Because people were investing into the future of Guyana’s politics. Like the futures market, folks were convinced that a down payment today would earn great dividends tomorrow – or next week. They were absolutely sure that they were qualified investors and shareholders in Guyana’s future prosperity. And how big is this market? As big as Guyana itself. And the actual market segment is the totality of the voters list. And if PPP outcast Khemraj Ramjattan is to be taken seriously, this market for his political vision is enlightened by the madness that is developing in the Guyana equation. His political premise is simple: The diffuse, fast moving threat of social, economic and political collapse requires a fast, moving response. To put it another way: there is a huge windfall given the PPP/Civic’s ineffectualness and the PNC/R’s lack of credibility to run an efficient government as an alternative. And anyone with a sense of Guyana’s turmoil today will easily gravitate toward the politics of change as a radical alternative. At least that’s what the brokers are saying. But this is going to be a different ball game than the commodities trading market. The Alliance for Change believes that they have just run into a political bonanza. Strange how they seem to detect opportunities in a minefield of corruption, racism and brutal violence in the land they call “home.” So when pitchman Khemraj Ramjattan and colleague Sheila Holder arrived in town last week to provide impetus to the marketing strategy they were both aware of the political season. Both speakers worked the floor, shaking hands, greeting people and extending personal invitations while revving up interest in the audience. In his discourse, Ramjattan started things off by explaining the current position of the PPP and the PNC/R in relation to the growing influence of the Alliance for Change. He warned that it wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. He continued to reiterate the differences he had with the PPP while he was with them; he also shared the positions of Sheila Holder and Raphael Trotman who subsequently left their respective base. Ramjattan stated that the trading will get rough (meaning hot clashes with PPP and PNC/R hoodlums); hard times will be ahead but the payoff will be magnificent. “Panic,” he assured the audience, “both parties are showing signs of nervousness at the sway of the Alliance of Change. We are digging roots in the villages across the regions.” Damn right. The anxiety has already rippled outside Guyana. The PPP support group in New York had deployed their “crashers” Saturday night on a recon mission to evaluate, access the progress at the Mangoville meeting. Confident that they were incognito, the dumb, rookie spies misunderstood their welcome even though the ghost whisperers had snickered satirical cordiality at their entry. And their “next day” delivery of the bad news was leading story in their session. In the crowded hall, Ramjattan quickly went over the relationship of both the PPP and the PNC/R pointing out the evolution of Guyana’s disaster. A “symbiotic” relationship he synthesized, recalling some history to illustrate the point. In dismissing their importance, he referred to both parties as “dinosaurs.” There’s always something majestic in a stranger who’d stop by to detail to you what you’ve always felt and known. Guest speaker David Cosada, an ex-employee of the U.S. State Department and currently a writer, gave a synopsis on the Carroll Thomas case. Remember the visa scandal in Georgetown a few years ago? David Casavis was an investigator in that matter which required him to stay in Guyana for a while. According to him, his inquiry was limited to the embassy case but the tour offered him a first hand look at the rot and decay at the carcasses of Guyana’s body politics -and the ever burgeoning corrupt bureaucracy in the PPP/Civic’s administration. To the supporters of the Alliance for Change, David Cosada hit stardom that evening. His speech gave credence and bolster confidence in the struggle to free up Guyana from the clutches of the PPP/Civic. By the time the speeches and photo-ops were finished, people were throwing away money in this project. One man showed up with $50,000. Others were happily casting their envelopes in the tithe basket. Yup, big money. Big business. Big ambitions. Ramjattan was right; nothing can be achieved without pumping lots of money into it. People were authorizing contributions as if an explorer had just stumbled upon the Golden City of El Dorado. Call it risky financial and political behavior, but the dollar amount was enormous. Whatever it is the Alliance for Change has tripped up upon in New York, it seems to be working with an infectious appeal. So deep the Alliance for Change has plunged into so-called PPP/PNC territory, some say, even a few PPP folks were selling tickets in Queens for the fundraiser. The folks at Freedom House ought to feel a heart attack coming on. on poll issues needed from GECOM – AFC says (Stabroek News) style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:#0031FF’> The Guyana Elections Com-mission (GECOM) needs to inform the public about the issues that ought to be addressed in relation to the upcoming elections, the Alliance For Change (AFC) said. At a press conference held at its Cummings Street headquarters on Wednesday, the AFC said GECOM needs to reveal the process by which an acceptable list of electors would be compiled for the elections and how, when and through what process recruitment and training of the some 15,000 electoral officials needed for the conduct of elections would be accomplished. The press conference, according to AFC Vice-Chairman Sheila Holder, was the first in what is expected to be a regular feature for the party. The AFC said GECOM needs to say how and when the 2,000-odd polling places, adequately provisioned with sanitary facilities and electricity would be identified; when and through what procedure the printing and placement of the Preliminary Voters List (PVL) for the distribution around the country would be done; and what tested system is in place for communicating results of the elections in the various divisions within a reasonable time (by the end of polling) given the collapse of the cellular phone system in the last elections and the protests, confusion and violence that ensued when announcement of the elections results was extensively delayed. GECOM also needs to say what options it is considering to deal with the various forms of multi-registrants if these are found at the conclusion of the Jamaican Biometrics System, which has been employed for that purpose. It also needs to say when, how and where ballots would be printed for the elections. AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, said GECOM is not doing the best of jobs as regards these issues and needs to be more forthcoming to give the electorate some confidence in the process. GECOM has since advised President Bharrat Jagdeo that elections will not be possible until after August 30, 2006. The constitutional deadline is August 4. The AFC also suggested that GECOM and its secretariat, under the control of the Chief Election Officer, ensure that on elections day every voter would be able to cast a secret ballot in circumstances free from fear and intimidation. The party also called for respect for the meaning of Article 161B of the Constitution, which limits the role of political parties and their nominees in the conduct of elections, and which specifically precludes them from any form of active management of the electoral process. GECOM should uphold firmly the principle of equality among political parties, which must of necessity mean the dismissal of the categorisation being peddled in some quarters and which seeks to differentiate between parliamentary parties and non-parliamentary parties as if the former possessed more entitlements than the latter in an elections race, the AFC said. Elections must be delivered under the principle of ‘one man, one vote’, the party said, since GECOM must ensure that disenfranchisement of eligible voters is a thing of the past and that there is no multiple voting or potential for stuffing of ballot boxes after the close of poll. With regard to a delay in the holding of the elections, AFC Chairman and presidential candidate Raphael Trotman said the party would not mind if there was a reasonable delay of probably three to four months but it did not want there to be a caretaker government in the interim. Speaking of the code of conduct for political parties and candidates, which the AFC drafted and invited other political parties to sign on to Trotman said they were disappointed at the negative response of the other political parties. He said the AFC had sent copies of the code to all the political parties and was surprised that some parties said that they had not seen it. Unofficial discussions were also held on the code as well. However, he said, the AFC would abide by the code and the party was also prepared to sign onto any prepared by GECOM, the Inter-Religious Organisation or others once it was in keeping with best practices. Ramjattan was of the view that the other political parties were not appreciative of the code because they felt "the AFC had stolen their thunder." height=1 id=”_x0000_i1029″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_3.jpg”> THE ALLIANCE FOR CHANGE The AFC, as one of the contesting political parties in the upcoming General and Regional Elections, holds the view that free and fair elections require adoption of the following by GECOM and its Secretariat under the control of the Chief Elections Officer (CEO): The ability of every voter on elections day to be able to cast a secret ballot in circumstances free from fear and intimidation. The CEO and his staff, in keeping with the Constitution and the relevant electoral laws shoulder the responsibility for making arrangements for efficient polling, counting of ballots, tabulating of votes and declaring the results. Respect for the meaning of article 161B of the Constitution which limits the role of political parties and their nominees in the conduct of elections, and which specifically precludes them from any form of active management of the electoral process. Contesting political parties must not be allowed to undertake responsibilities legally assigned to the Chief Election Officer who is required to create a level playing field for all contesting political parties without interference or coercion. Such interference has to date undermined the electoral process, and created unnecessary tension, fear and distrust. Our history of a divided politics which generally permits unscrupulous politicians to play on elections-time emotions and fears in furtherance of their own interests will only derail free and fair elections. It is the objective of the AFC to prevent this. Upholding firmly the principle of equality among contesting political parties must by necessity mean the dismissal of the categorization being peddled I some quarters and which seeks to differentiate between “parliamentary parties” and “non-parliamentary parties” as if the former possessed more entitlements than the latter in an elections race. Equal treatment of all contesting parties therefore; require that no party be seen to have an advantage over any other. All Contesting parties should have equitable access to the state-owned mass media and all other media outlets and should agree on an Electoral Code that sets agreed standards for mobilising financial and other resources; should adopt standards of behaviour for candidates; should meet all existing legal post-elections reporting requirements and that should determine specific consequences for violating all agreed standards The delivery by GECOM of elections where the principle of “one man, one vote” is truly a reality; where disenfranchisement of eligible voters is a thing of the past and where there is no multiple voting or potential for stuffing of ballot boxes after the close of poll. It is therefore, on the basis of these principles that the AFC sees the verification of the Official List of Electors (OLE) as a tool, exclusively in the hands of the CEO and his technical personnel in the GECOM Secretariat to be used for the purpose of delivering an acceptable Preliminary Voters List so certified by him. Based on the Guyanese elections experience and those in other countries, the contesting parties need to have a frank discussion on the ways in which the vote can be manipulated; then the GECOM Secretariat should be asked to indicate how these will be dealt with to ensure one man, one vote. The AFC feels that all fears and concerns surrounding elections could be allayed through negotiation between GECOM and the contesting parties and therefore recommends the use of facilitation by an institution such as the OAS or any other credible institution to settle this issue. The AFC reserves the right to express legitimate concerns as regards the slippages which have occurred to GECOM’s timelines and opines that the public needs to know why this happened and what is being done to remedy the situation. In the meantime, other important questions pertaining to the state of readiness of GECOM and its Secretariat ought to be addressed and the public be informed about. These questions include the following: id=”_x0000_i1030″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_4.jpg”>What is the process by which an acceptable list of electors will be compiled for the elections? id=”_x0000_i1031″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_5.jpg”>How, when and through what process will recruitment and training of approximately 15,000 electoral officials needed for the conduct of elections be accomplished? a. style=’font:7.0pt “Times New Roman”‘> style=’font-size:13.5pt’>How and when will the identification of the 2,000-odd polling places needed to be found that are adequately provisioned with sanitary facilities, electricity, etc. be accomplished? b. style=’font:7.0pt “Times New Roman”‘> style=’font-size:13.5pt’>When and through what procedure will the printing and placement of the PVL for distribution around the country be accomplished? 1. style=’font:7.0pt “Times New Roman”‘> style=’font-size:13.5pt’>What tested system is in place for communicating results of the elections in the various divisions within a reasonable time (by the day’s end of poll) given the 2. style=’font:7.0pt “Times New Roman”‘> style=’font-size:13.5pt’>collapse of the cellular phone system in the last elections and the protests, confusion, violence that ensued when announcement of the elections results were extensively delayed in the previous elections? c. style=’font:7.0pt “Times New Roman”‘> style=’font-size:13.5pt’>What options are being considered by GECOM to deal with the various forms of multi-registrants if found at the conclusion of the Jamaican Biometrics System being employed for that purpose? id=”_x0000_i1032″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_6.jpg”>When, how and where will ballots be printed for the elections? height=1 id=”_x0000_i1033″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_7.jpg” align=””> border=0 width=4 height=1 id=”_x0000_i1034″ src=”images/LatestNews_img_8.jpg” align=””> src=”images/LatestNews_img_9.jpg” align=””> 2006-5-1: More inclusiveness needed to avoid constitutional crisis – Raphael Trotman –says PPP/C, PNCR cannot solve problems alone (Kaieteur News) style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’> Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Raphael Trotman has stated that a constitutional crisis in Guyana could be avoided during the run-up to elections if involvement in the solution is widened to include major stakeholders such as civil society and contesting parties in the 2006 polls. Trotman described the stage after the due date for the dissolution of Parliament on May 4 as a “period of constitutional unorthodoxy.” He stated that the AFC accepts that the country has to be governed until general elections are held and, as such, supports the continuance of the current executive at the helm, providing that the executive is prepared to abide by certain conditions. These conditions include the acceptance that there is no longer a government and opposition but parties contesting the elections. The PPP/C will be acting as the trustee or custodian of the State and is expected to manage the affairs of the State responsibly. Trotman said this means not abusing State resources, not suppressing the political fortunes of other political parties and not utilising State resources in select constituencies in a discriminatory manner. “We believe that the use of all State resources, including but not limited to the State media, should be available to all contesting parties to ensure a level playing field.” Trotman also suggested that police protection should be provided to candidates of all parties contesting the elections, as what obtains in Jamaica . Speaking on the current impasse in the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) where the opposition-nominated have withdrawn from the Commission, the AFC Chairman said he shared the disappointment of the nation that six competent men cannot ‘get it right’. He mused that maybe if a female was involved in the process at the GECOM level then elections probably would have been held by the August 4, 2006 constitutionally due date. “The image of GECOM is of a broken, disjointed, and disunited group made up of individuals, each clinging to narrow political and partisan interests,” he said. “They may all very well be right and they may all very well be wrong but unfortunately the debate as to correctness is past and what we are most interested in is a solution as to how to extricate ourselves from this looming disaster.” Trotman stated that if no elections are held in the near future, the country will continue to spiral out of control and collapse will hasten. He pointed out that Guyana is faced with a possible constitutional crisis because GECOM has failed to deliver elections by the August 4 date. The functioning of the Legislative and Executive branches of the State will proceed into an unprecedented and unwelcome mode of unorthodoxy,” he said. He noted that such a situation last occurred in 1990 under the Hoyte administration when the PNC used its two-thirds majority to extend the life of Parliament. The ruling PPP/C has only 51% control of Parliament. Trotman said every effort should be made to avoid a constitutional crisis. He noted that President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader Robert Corbin have met to begin addressing the problems but he reminded of the track record of talks between the two sides which he said is less than encouraging. “Once the rules of engagement are accepted that the PPP/C and the PNCR alone cannot be depended upon to pull us back from the brink, then we can begin in earnest to engage in serious negotiations as to the several viable options presenting themselves, including an extension of the life of the incumbent government with conditionalities.” Trotman underscored his party’s position that verification of the 2001 Official List of Electors is a must for the upcoming elections to be conducted in a free and fair manner. He said GECOM has to identify the form of verification to be used, since house-to-house verification is just one form. “GECOM needs to deal with the burning issue that the list could be padded and identify the best way to deal with it on elections day to ensure one vote – one person,” he said. Trotman is of the view that there will not be a total absence of fear surrounding the upcoming elections, in the wake of Agriculture Minister Satyadeow Sawh’s assassination and given the fact that there have been disruptions at previous elections. “It is for the police and the Guyana Defence Force to assure the nation that they could take care of the security concerns,” he said. “We expect that they will be honest with the nation and indicate if they are unable to do so and, if so, seek assistance from the CARICOM security forces in the same way we provided support to others in the time of need.” Asked about a report that a recent poll conducted by US expert, Dr. Frank Luntz, which shows that AFC could garner 25% of the votes if elections were held now, Trotman offered no comment. Dr. Luntz is an experienced pollster whose company operates out of the US . Kaieteur News was reliably informed that the recently commissioned poll showed that the AFC could win the equivalent of 16 seats on Parliament. This means that the vote in Parliament could split at least three ways, with the PPP/C and the PNCR taking up the majority of the other votes. Trotman refused to say if he is aware of the poll or who commissioned it. But he did indicate that the AFC will soon take on board the services of an experienced overseas-based campaign manager. (Andrew Richards) style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’>Clinton ‘s campaign manager to head AFC elections charge A former campaign manager of US President Bill Clinton will be in Guyana next week under the auspices of the Alliance For Change (AFC). The AFC intends to recruit him to head the party’s campaign for the 2006 general elections. When contacted yesterday, AFC Chairman Raphael Trotman confirmed that Dick Morris will head the AFC’s campaign team. Trotman did not elaborate but said Morris worked with Mexico ‘s President Vincente Fox, and also in the United Kingdom , Argentina and Japan . Morris will now be bringing his skills to the AFC in an effort to boost the party’s chances at the elections slated to be held no later than September 3, 2006. Trotman said that Morris will hold a press conference during his visit to Guyana to give a more detailed outlook on how he intends to work with the AFC. According to the Wikipedia Encyclopedia, Morris was born in New York City and is a political author and commentator who was once a successful pollster and campaign consultant. Morris is best known for managing Bill Clinton’s successful 1996 bid for re-election to the office of President of the United States . Morris has since turned his focus to media commentary. He now writes a weekly column for the New York Post and appears regularly on the Fox News Channel. The Wikipedia Encyclopedia said Morris has emerged as a harsh critic of the Clintons and has written several books that criticize them, including Rewriting History — a rebuttal to Senator Hillary Clinton’s Living History. Morris first worked with Bill and Hillary Clinton during Bill Clinton’s successful 1978 bid for Governor of Arkansas. Though he did not work on Bill Clinton’s unsuccessful re-election campaign in 1980, Morris helped him win back the governor’s office in 1982 and continued to work with him in subsequent campaigns. Morris did not have a role in Clinton ‘s successful 1992 presidential campaign, which instead was headed by James Carville and Paul Begala. After the 1994 mid-term election where Republicans took control of both houses of Congress and gained considerable power in the states, Clinton once again sought Morris’s help to prepare for the 1996 presidential election. It was Morris who proposed a strategy of “triangulation”, where Bill Clinton would appeal to a diverse group of voters by distancing himself from both the Democratic and Republican parties. 2006-5-10: AFC’s consultant Dick Morris to launch party’s poll today(Stabroek News) style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’> In its bid for political office the Alliance For Change (AFC) has brought on board American political consultant Dick Morris who is expected to reveal today details of a poll commissioned by the party in which it is showing 25% support from the electorate. Morris, who is credited with piloting former Ameri-can President, Bill Clinton to a comeback re-election victory in 1996 after the he had lost Congress to the Republicans two years before, was expected in the country last night and is expected to hold a press conference at Le Meridien Pegasus this afternoon. AFC Presidential Candidate Raphael Trotman told Stabroek News on Monday that Morris has been working with the party since January. Describing him as a specialist in detecting electoral fraud, who would no doubt be able to detect it and root it out if and when he finds it, Trotman said this was one of the reasons why the AFC had welcomed him. Morris’s association with Clinton began in 1977 when he handled his successful campaign to become the Governor of Arkansas and the youngest in the nation. He did not work on his campaign for re-election in 1980 when he was defeated but oversaw his comeback victory in 1982 and his re-election in 1984, 1986 and 1990.He has worked with other senators and governors and for Mexican President Vicente Fox. Speaking briefly about the most recent poll conducted on the AFC’s behalf which is some 300 pages long, the party’s leader Khemraj Ramjattan said that it was the third the AFC had commissioned and it showed an increase in support for the party for the upcoming general and regional elections. While he noted that the previous poll showed 17% support for the AFC he did not say what were the results of the first poll commissioned. However, he did indicate that the support base is mainly in the younger age group but said that Mr Morris would reveal who had done the poll and answer questions on it at today’s press conference. This, Ramjattan said, would also set the party in campaign mode for the elections. The party’s campaign manager is Clayton Hall. The AFC has also begun the production of its official organ, The Key, which is published every two months and so far is being circulated free of cost. with 21% of the vote – US pollster President Bharrat Jagdeo would win 40% of the vote; PNCR Leader, Robert Corbin, 36% and the Alliance For Change (AFC) presidential candidate Raphael Trotman, 21%; while the smaller political parties would get 3%. So said American pollster and elections campaign strategist, Dick Morris who is currently serving as a consultant to the AFC. Morris feels that the AFC as a party and Trotman as its presidential candidate have an excellent chance of winning the upcoming general elections, taking a number of seats in parliament and ending voting along racial lines. Morris made these statements at a press conference at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel yesterday while giving a sketch of the results of the survey he conducted in March along with Republican pollster American Frank Lunz. A total of 1,063 eligible voters were interviewed throughout the country, which he said meant that about one out of every 750 Guyanese was sampled. The methodology of the survey was not disclosed. There was no mention at the press conference of how many votes smaller parties such as the GAP/ROAR alliance, the Justice For All Party headed by television owner CN Sharma or the WPA would gather. There was also no mention of how the question was framed and whether respondents were given the names of leaders and asked who they supported. Also at the press conference were Trotman; AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan; Vice Chairman, Sheila Holder; media consultant, Frank Barath and political consultant Luiz Morales. The survey is said to have a 95% accuracy rate and if every person in the country was interviewed the results would be the same plus or minus 3%, Morris said. Morris said that among mixed voters the results were 43% for Corbin; 33% for Trotman; 22% for Jagdeo; and 2% for the others. The poll, Morris said could have the tipping point that would be a revolution to shake Guyanese politics to its foundation and "if there is any country’s politics that needs to be shook" it was Guyana’s. He believes that Trotman and the AFC could get at least 30% of the votes at the elections which would effectively make it a three-way tie. Two months ago Trotman and the AFC polled 17% of the votes according to a poll the AFC had commissioned. Stating that most voters believe that the government was corrupt; drug dealers out of control; economic development lagging badly and the party in government was probably the only pseudo-communist Marxist/Leninist party in power in the world except for Cuba and North Korea, he said that the AFC offers the chance to assuage the fears of the other racial groups sufficiently so that change becomes possible. Among Afro-Guyanese, Corbin polled 64% of the votes; Trotman, 27%, Jagdeo, 6% and others 3%. Among the Indo-Guyanese voters where Jagdeo got 80% of the votes; Trotman got 12% and Corbin 6%, indicating, he said, that Trotman was demonstrating an ability to pull from both sides of the ethnic divide. Earlier in his introductory remarks, Morris said that he could not think of another country in the world that has a fully integrated civil society like Guyanese where Indo and Afro Guyanese go to school together, play together, work for each other in business together and even inter-marry, but could not get along in politics. To see political polarization along a racial line was unique in the world. Morris said when they probed further about the political parties in the country, they found there was huge discontent from a quarter to a third from the Indo-Guyanese voters with the PPP, while half of the Afro Guyanese voters were discontented with the PNCR. Among the Indo Guyanese, half said there was too much corruption in the PPP; 38% of Indo-Guyanese voters said the PPP had "let drug dealers get too much power;" 25% of Indo-Guyanese voters said the PPP had been in power for too long; 27% said the PPP "does not do a good job of addressing the real needs of the Indian community;" 46% of Indo-Guyanese voters said the PPP keeps power "only because Indian voters feel it is the only way to avoid the repression which we experienced in the 70s and the 80s"; and 35% of Indo Guyanese voters say it would be better to replace the PPP with "an ethnically balanced party." These numbers, he said, gave the impression that it was possible for the AFC to peel off about a quarter or a third of the Indo-Guyanese votes if there is a genuine bi-racial multi-ethnic alternative party to vote for. The reason for hanging on and voting for the PPP is because they are scared to death of what would happen if the PNCR ever took office. Most of them do not believe that the PNCR could change; that Corbin could grow new spots; and they continue to vote for a party they do not like much but feel they need because the alternative would be to surrender the role of governing to a group of politicians they do not trust. Among Afro-Guyanese voters, 37% said the PNCR has not really "changed since the days of repression and has not learnt its lesson;" 45% said it would be better to replace the PNCR with an ethnically balanced party;" which gives an indication that there was a real recognition among Afro-Guyanese that the PNCR cannot win the elections, he said. Forty-nine to thirty-five mixed voters believe that the PNCR "keeps losing elections because of its past;" and 40 to 38 agree that "Indian voters and those of mixed or Indigenous ancestry will not vote for the PNCR because of its past." Noting that the polls focused on Indo and Afro Guyanese and did not take into account the views of the Indigenous peoples who represent 10% of the country’s population and how they would affect the polls, Morris said that he thought that the Indigenous peoples would be supportive of the AFC. "But I don’t know that because we had too few in our polls for a statistically significant amount. We polled 1,000 people. We had about 80 or 90 who were Indigenous, which is what it should be, but it was too small a group to be able to analyse the data. So for technical reasons I did not comment on it. But I bet my bottom dollar they would be heavily involved with the AFC." Asked how much he was being paid to assist in the AFC campaign, Morris said he decides every elections cycle that he would do one campaign pro bono where he would be reimbursed for travel, accommodation and polling but an actual fee, "I wouldn’t charge one." He added that Guyana couldn’t pay a fee even if he charged one and even if the AFC won it wouldn’t be able to pay him. "So, it’s no great loss," he said. His previous free service offered was in the Ukraine and Mexico. Asked about his history of losses, he said he has made about 100 mistakes but did predict a number of victories, which he assisted in. These included President Bill Clinton’s reelection; Vicente Fox in Mexico; and others that ended years and decades of political domination in Argentina, Taiwan, Japan, Ukraine and Romania. On the detection of electoral fraud, Morris said that in Guyana "we are going to do an exit poll on election day, which is going to be an extensive poll and very expensive poll that would predict the results of the elections extraordinarily accurately and the government wouldn’t have a chance to monkey with the numbers because the exit poll results would be released five minutes after the polls closed." He said that a similar exercise was done in Mexico and the government did not have a chance to adjust the numbers. The exit poll showed a victory by seven points and four million people in Mexico City demonstrated that night and the government could not come out three days later with the results. On the Move” HBTV Ch 9. Tuesdays 9:30 – 9:45 pm CNS CH. 6 Sundays 8:30 – 8-45 pm LRTVS CH. 10 Sundays 5:00 – 5:15 pm RCA Ch. 8 Thursdays 7:45 – 8:00 pm NCN LINDEN Saturdays 8:00 – 8:15 pm TARZIE BARTICA Fridays 7:00 – 7:15 pm VCT CH. 28 Tuesday 6:30 – 7:00 pm deliver? (Stella Ramsaroop – Kaieteur News) unexpected surprise. Those unguarded moments make life interesting because we never truly know what lies around the next corner. Just such an occurrence happened to me this week. I was reading an Internet forum for Guyanese on Tuesday where one conversation remarked that the AFC is picking up a lot of support with the younger generation. Although this makes perfect sense, the remark still took me completely by surprise. It is difficult to gauge any progress the AFC is making because they are not in the news on a daily basis embroiled in one political battle or another, like the PPP and the PNC. Thus, it is sometimes easy to mark such an entity off as out of sight, out of mind. However, this does not seem to be the case with the AFC after all. One Guyanese on this forum said, "I keep hearing people and I mean lots of people saying, ‘ Alliance boy, the Alliance . I’m giving the Alliance my vote’." If this is the case, the very first question I am forced to ask myself is whether the AFC can deliver for Guyana . If we are to be honest with ourselves, it would be irresponsible to vote for such a drastic change without first determining whether this baby party is up for the job. It seems that when Guyana achieved its independence, those who were entrusted with governing the nation were not ready for the task at hand. This was the case with many of the colonies when they were granted their independence. It is difficult enough to learn how to govern a nation when it is young and just forming. But to take over the leadership of an already established nation, with previously established problems, is a task that is most times beyond even the most well-intentioned leaders. The good intentions of early leaders never really got to mature and many of these nations have floundered about for decades. So what makes the AFC any different from the PPP or the PNC? Does this new party finally have the right type of leaders to help Guyana recover from a long history of problematic leadership? Maybe. To start with, the AFC has Raphael Trotman, Khemraj Ramjattan and Sheila Holder – all of whom are seasoned leaders. Moreover, these leaders have somehow found a way to work together long enough to make this party gel. This is a tremendous feat in Guyana . How many other politicians have attempted an alliance of this magnitude and failed? It is utterly frustrating to watch supposed mature and intelligent leaders bicker and posture over minor territorial issues when the real focus should be the best interests of the people. Could it be that Guyana does have some leaders who can see the big picture and work together for the good of the country? I must say that it is impressive just to see the AFC come this far without imploding like many of the other "third party" hopefuls. What this means to me is that there must be an overarching attitude of compromise from within the party. If so, this in itself is very positive news. If they can work with each other, regardless of their differences, then perhaps they have what it takes to govern a country like Guyana, where the people have spent so much time focusing on their differences that they have forgotten there are some very advantageous commonalties. However, seasoned leadership and the ability to build a cohesive team from a diverse group of individuals do not exempt the AFC from the temptation of corruption. I truly believe that when an upright and conscientious government finds its way into office in Guyana , it would be the day when the people will start enjoying a far better standard of living. When all foreign aid goes to its assigned purpose, when bribes and kickbacks to government officials are absolutely forbidden, when there is a government who will openly account for the money it spends, when there are leaders who know how to facilitate economic growth – this is when Guyana will be better off. Can the AFC do this? Can they pull off such an enormous task when historic precedence is pressing down on them to be as corrupt as the last two parties? I cannot answer that question. However, I can say with confidence that neither of the last two parties have been able to create an effective government that would produce a thriving country. And neither party has found a way to work together for the good of the people. At least the AFC has done this much. As the PPP and the PNC do everything within their power to divide the nation by race in the next few months leading up to the election, it will be interesting to see if the AFC will find a way to bring their spirit of compromise into Guyanese politics at large. pronounce on voters list sanitisation – Trotman (Stabroek News) style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’> The Alliance For Change (AFC) will not be comfortable with the Preliminary Voters’ List (PVL) until the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) can say what the claims and objections process has achieved, including expunging the names of the deceased and of persons not residing permanently in Guyana. GECOM needs also to say how the PVL would be verified to the satisfaction and comfort levels of all political parties, AFC Chairman and presidential candidate Raphael Trotman told Stabroek News in a telephone interview on Friday. Trotman said GECOM and other stakeholders need to ensure that the PVL meets international standards. The upcoming general elections, he said, "are not a club elections and the process by whichever party is elected to run the government should stand the scrutiny of Guya-nese as well as the international community. So where do we stand? We believe that the list should be sanitised, that there should be verification." Asked how the party felt about house-to-house verification, which is currently a bone of contention between the PPP/C and the PNCR, Trotman said that as one of the parties contesting the upcoming elections, the AFC wants the list to be as sanitized as it could ever be, to meet "…our comfort and… the comfort levels of all the contesting parties and other stakeholders." The AFC believes GECOM needs to say to the nation how the list would be verified to the satisfaction of all. "We will not go into a position of comfort or satisfaction until we know, for example, what is happening with the fingerprinting exercise being done by the Jamaican electoral office." Stating that GECOM needs to allay the fears and concerns of everyone at this stage, he said the AFC could not say whether it was satisfied with elections preparations until it knows what safeguards were in place to ensure "one person, one vote" on polling day. The party, he said, was aware of the stuffing of ballot boxes and what could happen if the names of the dead or those who live outside Guyana permanently remain on the Official List of Electors (OLE). Asked about the party’s silence on the issue of the house-to-house verification, Trotman said the AFC did not subscribe to the view that it must enter into destructive politics characterised by the "shouting matches" mainly between the PPP/C and the PNCR. In a letter to this newspaper, G Nurse had said the party’s silence on certain issues was a sign of weakness and deviousness in competitive politics. But Trotman said the AFC had no intention of becoming involved in "a big shouting match in which no one gets heard." Rather, he said, the AFC would continue to pick the issues on which it felt statements should be made and do so at the appropriate time. In addition, he said the AFC’s opinion is that there was no longer anything like competitive politics in Guyana. "We have destructive politics, where you go out not to compete based on issues or personalities. You are literally sent out on the front line to deliberately destroy the leadership and the ranks of the other camp. So the practice of politics in Guyana does not fit the standard mode of competitive politics where the more deserving or best candidate wins based on issues and a good programme," he said. Claiming G. Nurse was a pen name of a very senior official of a political party, whom he knows, Trotman said the letter was meant to appear to come from an impartial onlooker. He said the shouting match between the PPP/C and the PNCR was quite normal and it took place every five years. "Those who could remember would recall when Joseph Hamilton was skilfully able to have thousands of names removed from the list. The PPP/C made the same counter arguments, so this is not new. It is part of the cut and thrust of elections preparations in Guyana." Public meetings Asked about public open-air meetings, Trotman said once the campaign season was official, the AFC intended to hold public meetings, but he was not sure about "whether we would hold mass rallies." The AFC anticipates a difference in this election campaign and that there might be less emphasis on public meetings given the blanket of fear that exists with regard to crime. "Many people may not be persuaded to come out for public meetings that go late into the night but that does not say that they are not with you," he added. He said the AFC anticipates that parties may have to tailor their campaigns to deal with the issue of insecurity, especially where persons are threatened or are afraid to come out on their own. But the AFC has already begun holding public outdoor meetings and has held one in at Port Kaituma in Region One (Barima/Waini) where several hundred people attended, he said. The traditional politicking would continue in bottom houses and public indoor meetings. In preparation for the outdoors, Trotman said, overseas supporters have donated public address systems, generators and lighting systems. Noting the support that the AFC has been receiving countrywide and overseas, Trot-man said that the party was due to open branch offices at the end of this month at Golden Grove on the East Coast Demerara; Dundee, Mahaicony; D’Edward, West Coast Berbice and Leonora, West Coast Demerara. Donations in cash and kind had been "coming in" from local and overseas-based supporters, Trotman said, though he could not give a total figure, as he did not have it available at the time of the interview. He said the donations were helping to meet the heavy administrative expenses of maintaining ten offices and staff. "So we have been getting enough to meet our operational expenses," he said. Stating that the AFC’s campaign was proceeding according to its own deliberate judgment and based on advice from its campaign strategists and others, Trotman said that the AFC was waiting on GECOM to signal exactly when elections would be held. Coming as the underdog in the elections, he said, it would be unwise not to be in a state of readiness. "We just hope that when the elections are finally announced that we can all go at it as competitors and respect each other’s positions and respect the outcome as well. If there is to be a delay, we would deal with that then, but as of now we are preparing for elections to be held in September," he said. On talks with other political parties and on public opinion, which appears to favour an AFC/GAP alliance, Trotman said at present there are no official talks, but the AFC has not closed the doors to other opposition political parties. Noting an opinion piece which said that the third force ideology is still kicking and in effect, he said the AFC’s policy is to treat all of the third parties as allies, equals and as friends in the field and on the campaign trail even if there is no official or formalised coming together. On the number of political parties that would contest the elections, Trotman said he felt the 30-something parties would eventually whittle down to about 12. And while he refrained from commenting on how the other parties would fare, he was confident that the AFC would make an impact. Icons Asked how he felt about the current issue of the controversial tapes which purport to implicate Commissioner of Police Winston Felix in illegal actions, Trotman said it was "of course being politicised because we are in the political season. As I said, we are no longer in competitive politics but in destructive politics. So each group or the major parties have icons that they have to preserve and protect. Any attempt to knock any of the icons off the pedestal is defended, and so you are in a constant battle to gain prominence and to deny prominence." And with regard to the government trying to investigate or interdict the Police Commissioner, Trotman said that without the voices on the tape being authenticated that was tantamount to putting the cart before the horse. All those who made great mileage over what was said would not be able to use it as evidence in keeping with law and procedure, he said. With regard to Roger Khan, he said his arrest would bring an end to the daily exchange of statements, counterstatements and accusations in the media. "It was an unhealthy situation of having this conversation going on in the press every day. I didn’t feel that it helped the country’s image or that it augured well for the national security situation. I read the papers with interest on Friday morning about his arrest and I am surprised at the ease and simplicity in the way he was apprehended in another country." infectious money drive by Paul Sanders Caribbean Daylight style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’> Besides the American strategist Dick Morris, the Alliance for Change has deployed yet another of it’s most formidable long range missiles capable of hitting Guyana’s mainland last weekend in the Bronx. It was a successful test mission that validated all planned parameters. And those who were itching for war were quite comfortable with the results: the threat to the PPP Civic and the PNC/R is most imminent. This missile is called “politics through arts and entertainment.” It’s an irresistible compulsion: pump up the volume, bring in the dancers, loose the comedians, and throw in a few singing acts, fix the drinks, spice up the dinner and … hallelujah! People were showing up with wads of cash flaunting jingoism by the dollars. It’s the kind of patriot game, this ritual self interrogation that tuned out the discouraging news about gas prices and Middle East politics and bad weekend weather. What in Heaven would that be? Here’s a hint. Take international dancer Dheeraj and his troupe, for example. His piece was small; yet no way inferior in a setting that was gorgeous and was best appreciated seen up close. Against the infectious sound style of Anand Yankaran, Dheeraj presented a wide-ranging piece with imagination and intricate construction. So was Jumping Jack who was a delightful scene in which he invented himself as something between Johnny Walker and John Travolta. His Bollywood act was an unusually lavish piece bringing vibrancy in his comedic art form. Trevolta Karran hit gold poking fun at corny old creole telephone talk. His act was a cheery, self-mocking inventiveness that was consistently fresh, tuneful and organic to the plot of a Guyanese nephew panhandling his U.S. uncle on the phone. He even threw in a few improvisional punch lines in a sort of ostentatious crudeness, reinvigorating the AFC apart from “dat KFC fowl business.” Now, what does this has to do with politics? If you’re a PPP dialectician, and you haven’t picked up on that as yet, tell yourself you’re stupid. This is what you call a new act of revolutionary creativity, and PPP’s reprobate politician Khemraj Ramjattan – a one time disillusioned young Central Executive Committee member of the PPP, whose loud mouth openness about his party’s dirtiness that has provoked some of the most dramatic showdowns in the press – is at it again. The dinner and dance in the Bronx was something very new. And it is not just a long way from the ideals of stomping for support. It is the very antithesis. It represents a romantic break-away from the usual “begging bowl” approach, an escape from the act of belittling oneself and the freedom of reaching into one’s check book and happily fill out the Payee’s line. It is the power of the gospel according to the AFC’s approach to fundraising. Nothing too strange here, but under examination, you can find certain parallels with the Baptist church’s method of evangelism. It is here where the AFC has cleverly tapped into: the reservoir of common people searching for a break from the everyday drudgery of mediocre politics; where music, dance and food and wine act as an ice breaker to forge newer friendships while strengthening existing ones. Think about it. Nothing new. Really. But the AFC has played this hand marvelously last weekend, bringing a sizeable audience into a “concert” setting and appealing to their better sensibilities. And it worked. The meeting represented the fury of many Guyanese people desperate to escape the marginality imposed on them by the twisted politics of Democratic Centralism and the wretched tactics of armed resistance. No one could have said it better. Ramjattan spoke with conviction inciting interest in Guyana’s deteriorating politics and the hypocrisy inherent in the two monoliths. In fact, he submitted that the tribal politics of both the PPP and the PNC/R is spiraling Guyana into a lower part of hell. The atmosphere he presided felt distinctly different, the concept of racial war more ominous. The solution he proposed was the risky business of departing from the Coolieman/Blackman syndrome in which both races distrust each other under the leadership of their respective racial leaders. It was a powerfully simple speech, and many people thought that his words stand as an example of substance and music of politics in its grandest form and highest purpose – to heal, to educate, to lead. He challenged his supporters to demonstrate Guyana’s healing by being a living example of neighborliness and friendship. In other words, compassion, love and generosity that would jump mathematics and race. Pure Gospel. In the age of the politics of the damned where the nasty new turn of events has characterized Guyana as a place where mafia politics and gangsta violence are the feed of endless bad news. You just can’t make this stuff up. Now that sounded like this man is the brother of Billy Graham. He was predictable and most influential. But he was also firing away at what he called the curse of the “visa” mentality. Ramjattan knocked a lot of sense into his audience, explaining that a sense of malaise has become so pervasive that the Guyanese fighting spirit is fading away and that everyone is hoping someday for a visa to leave the country. Then add the pathetic “send some money” pitch that has underscored the laziness that is rampant in some areas in the country. Well, Ramjattan taught some serious fiscal responsibilities to the overseas diaspora: the power of No. And he connected that to the problem of a shameless dependency among Guyanese at home, and its place as a part of a national problem. He pointed out the little kitchen garden in the countryside is fast becoming a relic of the past. People are so demoralized and despondent that they are losing a sense of history. That kind of talk provided Khemraj Ramjattan a political windfall. And by continuing to bash the PPP civic on the issue of crime and corruption, one got a glimpse of a man who is hell bent on dissing his former colleagues. Far fetched? Not really, when you consider the kind of financial commitment people are willing to make in seeking an alternative to the PPP/Civic and the PNC/R. And it is here where the AFC has developed a sleek marketing strategy in mobilizing Guyanese for a genuine change. From Charity to Lethem to Crabwood Creek to Linden, the theme is for change. Ramjattan pointed out that the ultimate goal is to dismantle the monopoly that the PPP and the PNC/R have on their respective race. And he was selling dreams: that Guyanese can remain optimistic; that it is possible the country has not receded entirely into the mists of history. That all Guyanese – East Indians and blacks – together can find common ground in a common struggle for a common future. Now that’s marksmanship. People actually believed in it. Cha-Jing! The money poured in; folks were registering to be new recruits in this new pursuit. And so the movement of the AFC has proven that it has a few smart bombs in its arsenal of political weaponry. So while the PPP and the PNC/R continue to wrestle with the messy business of the voters’ lists, the AFC has been tactfully insinuating its presence in their strongholds, quietly tearing away at their support and building up mass power for what can be a season of change. Say what you will about the outcomes, but the enthusiasm at the meeting was quite glorious: defiant, courageous, romantic against all that is fixed and immovable and oppressive in Guyana. That makes perfect sense. With a faltering economy fueling social and political turmoil; and with the PPP and the PNC/R putting their own political survival ahead of the country’s economic survival, and – with no sign that the trend is moderating – the AFC is playing a powerful hand in the game. But history will have the bottom line. Either the AFC’s program is one crazy idea or the greatest idea we’ve have heard in recent times. proposes value-added agri policy (Stabroek news) style=’font-size:13.5pt;color:blue’> Alliance For Change (AFC) representative in Essequibo, Talesh Jaffar has said that a new policy in agriculture is needed to have added value to farm produce. In Essequibo, he said, a population of some 58,000 cannot survive on the rice industry and therefore employment, a high cost of living and migration are plaguing the region. According to the AFC politician, the one-sided development of the national economy has led to disruption in the social and economic life of the people. Charity, he said, should be a port of exit so that rice and other farm produce can be exported while as a port of entry, imports such as cement, fuel, fertilizers and other commodities from the Caribbean could come in. Jaffar said his party will definitely develop a new and meaningful policy for the nation, while farmers and other producers would have more to earn. of the PPP: Its re-assertion of Communism in these times By Khemraj Ramjattan (Kaieteur News) “Communism has collapsed; it has not been smothered. This collapse has dented the dream of our world for a better life. But we will dream on; because liberal and neo-liberal paths to development cannot provide solutions.” Almost to a letter, the words just quoted have constantly found themselves in every major document of the PPP since communism’s collapse in the 1980’s. Most recently they were restated and emphasised in the Party Programme’s newest edition – 2005 to 2008. Could you imagine! Prior to its collapse in the 1980’s, the Party’s message on communism was most emphatically encapsulated in the words of one of its early stalwarts, Brindley Benn: “You can stop tomorrow, but you cannot stop communism!” Brindley Benn, after experiencing the harsh treatment which flowed upon any dissension with the Jagans, later was to deem both Jagans, Cheddie and Janet, the “running dogs of Soviet Imperialism”. As a youth leader in the 80’s and early 90’s within the Party’s ranks, I too became troubled when millions of Eastern Europeans were venting their spleen on their leaders, burning and pulling down posters and statues of Lenin and the lot. That kind of future flashing across over television screens we were never prepared for. Our propaganda czars at Freedom House simply could not reply to and rebut the questions which came in torrents from the more questioning amongst us. One ideologue, who up to then was highly regarded, would simply pluck out one by one the hairs on his eyebrow. This was most inadequate a response. His other response, which was even worse, was: “Don’t believe everything you see on television, that is the work of imperialists! And you comrades, especially you Cde. Prak, stop reading all that revisionist/liberal trash.” I heard him; but I never listened to him. This actual experience of seeing the grand communist edifice crumble, which edifice PPP’s propaganda used to tell us is indestructible, is what I think more than anything else made me the “deliberative democrat” that I became. I thus began treading cautiously, questioning things more, deliberating on them rather than accepting wholesale – even if they came from Ma and Pa. And guess what happened? This questioning, enquiring approach soon was not going down well with the czars and czarinas within the PPP. I had always distrusted the principle of democratic centralism, which was the organisational principle being thrown at me to counter my approach and style. And so a fierce battle commenced. This fight got fiercer when, at the Enterprise Congress of the PYO in 1995, the words Marxism Lennism/Socialism/Communism were deleted from the PYO’s constitution. This was a major victory for the “deliberative democrats” who were growing within the ranks of the youth section of the PPP. Of course, I was badly battered in 2002 at the Port Mourant Congress of the PPP. The attempts I led through the Section K Campbellville Group to delete these identical hard-core concepts, on very good geo-political grounds, all failed. But so much for my experiences. What I have come to realise of greater gravity is the insincere double-speak of the Executive Committee of the PPP. These Comrades would preach the gospel of communism in the Party and the Congress and decry liberalism and neo-liberalism, yet apply at the level of its Government every aspect of liberalism and neo-liberalism. What hypocrisy! This is probably the most obscene aspect of PPP’s politics. It preaches one thing, and practises another. And it goes about its business as if nothing is abnormal or disturbing about this gross inconsistency. The farce and façade of this two-facedness, a sort of Jekyll and Hyde scenario, is used to beguile its members and supporters on the one hand, and the donor community on the other. At the group meetings and Regional Conferences, the Communist preachers tell the congregation: “It is no fault of ours that you remain poor. The fault lies in the blood-sucking local capitalist class, and the international cartels in association with the IMF/World Bank. They pauperise you. Not us! We are trying our best for you.” At the high-powered meetings with the donor community and financiers of various programmes, the language is spoken of how truly free market and liberal oriented the government is. This big lie, this monstrous insincerity must come to a halt. If this kind of double-speak can be perpetuated at this level, by the leaders of the governing Party, why then could it not be perpetuated at every other level? It is exactly for this reason why these days, when this PPP leadership says that it wants Parliament to be truly functional, the ordinary people know, like Sir Michael Davies found out, that such an assertion from such a leadership may not be functionally true. It is obvious double-speak, too, when the PPP, who used to decry the PNC’s shameless abuse, dominance and monopolisation of the State media when the PNC was in power, does nothing to shed such abuse, dominance and monopolisation now that the PPP is in power. Whoever in their right mind will want to conduct business with this PPP Government when it promises to honour its financial obligations, and then most arrogantly breaches them, as is evidenced in the most recent debacle of the bonds issue with Citizens Bank. This concrete example of another double-speak, if not remedied satisfactorily, will destroy all investor confidence in this country! It is exactly for this same reason why nobody will believe any utterances coming from some PPP leaders concerning a desire to work along with progressive alliances, when in the same breath other PPP leaders cuss down and denigrate every organisation and individual potentially capable of constituting such a “progressive alliance”. But what do you expect from a leadership which suffers from an infantile disorder? This whole exercise of re-emphasing its commitment to communism in the period of the Party’s life 2005 – 2008, is a deception by the leaders of the PPP to shift the gaze of its grumbling cadres and members away from these leaders’ corruption, mismanagement, and incompetence. But there are limitations to this organised deception which sooner than later will be exposed. Guyanese politician that was exactly what I have been waiting to see for a very long time. It
Sunday, November 13th 2005
Monday, October 31st 2005
Tuesday, October 18th 2005
Ramjattan leader and chairman, Trotman
2006-2-11: The AFC did make a statement on the
2006-2-27:
Freedom of Information bill is the priority
2006-3-17: Sheila Holder has
2006-3-19: The Alliance For
2006-3-31: The Alliance for
2006-4-17: More information
2006-4-12: A STATEMENT FROM
2006-5-5:
2006-5-11: Poll shows Trotman
Times for airing of “AFC
2006-6-15: Can the AFC
2006-6-18: GECOM must
2006-6: The Alliance for Change’s
2006-6-24: AFC Essequibo rep.
2006-6-25: The Inflexibility
This past Sunday I read a column by a