TO:
Concerned Guyanese
My fellow Comrades:
I was extremely pleased to have attended the PNC assembly last Sunday in New York. In many ways
it was definitely reassuring to know that the party’s adherents are still prepared to be identified with a political
entity facing serious problems.
It appears that our supporters are eager to play a more positive role in reversing the malaise,
apathy and disarray, which the PNC [R] is experiencing as the main opposition party in Guyana. Our once egalitarian party
that chartered a plausible course for our future has regretfully, degenerated to a collective group of adherents surviving
in abject poverty without a clear vision and plans to regain electoral victory. How long could such a situation be allowed
to continue before we witness either the total collapse or disappearance of PNC?
What is urgently needed is dynamic leadership that demonstrates the capacity to meet the challenges
of rebuilding our Party. In North America there are supporters who are prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve
substantive change for our people. I humbly submit to you that until and or unless a more constructive approach be adopted
that would augment hope and confidence a contraction of our political base is all but certain.
A re-energized PNC will require adherents abroad to play a more dynamic role in chartering a
future course, which allows us to become a viable political alternative to the current PPP/Civic regime. A rejuvenated PNC
must rely on, and be committed to a set of pellucid goals that would give Guyanese a clear choice. How will a revitalized
PNC differentiate itself as a political entity? The answer to that depends on the courage and dedication of supporters possessing
the capacity and commitment to engage in dialogue.
Concomitantly, there are capable Guyanese willing to offer their knowledge, technical skills
and even finances to re-empower the fledgling PNC[R]. Unfortunately, these individuals are disillusioned that their talents
and abilities are either overlooked or disregarded by the current leaders of our Party. Is the PNCR higher archery afraid
of change? or Do they feel threatened by more credible and qualified members? By clinging to power our leaders run the risk
of alienating the very people capable of turning the Party's fortunes around. It would be unfortunate if some leaders allow
their ego, personal ambitions and self motives prevent them from relinquishing power sooner rather than later.
Our comrades abroad deserve better leadership and reassurances of meaningful reforms. Potential
leaders must rise to these Herculean challenges and begin to mobilize PNC supporters everywhere (groups, districts & regions).
The silent majority anticipates, and rightly so that new architects would articulate appropriate public policies and public
works programs to alleviate the suffering of Guyanese from coast to coast.
Amendments to our Party's constitution must be made to empower groups abroad. Supporters in
foreign lands must be relied upon to become agents of change and their participation in national development a noble goal.
A profound shift in party politics in necessary if we (PNC) hope to regain power in Guyana .
By alienating our professionals and politically conscious supporters the PNC [R] runs the risk
of remaining marginalized and in opposition for many years to come. It is difficult to understand why the current leaders
have not encouraged the Guyanese Diaspora to play a more meaningful role in fashioning a new and successful socio-political
and economic agenda for the PNC.
I urge you to recognize the importance of mobilizing those of us who would like to participate
as change agents. Given such a task, I hope you do not defer this responsibility. Of course, you can appreciate that our family
obligations precede politics. While this may appear to be an enormous undertaking with prudent leadership and tenacity we
can succeed. In fact we cannot jeopardize our youth’s future by failing to put in place a foundation, which they can
build upon for posterity to inherit. I am convinced that you could rise to the challenge of bringing PNC supporters together
for this noble cause.
Thank you
Where as the aforementioned is intended as a call to order- to organize the PNC from abroad, and Where as concerned Guyanese are prepared to contribute in fashioning a new course
for PNC election victory, and Where as we encourage the current PNCR leaders to embrace
not alienate Guyanese abroad in seeking solutions to our political dilemma, and Where as disunity, political in-fighting and
recrimination serve only to fracture our party.
Be it here resolved that a conference be held in North America within six months
to bring concerned supporters together to debate and make plans that would enhance PNC’s chances of regaining political
power in Guyana.
__________________________
TO: Concerned Guyanese
FROM: Coordinator
In recent
years a common refrain resonating among nationals everywhere has been about the stark transformation of our dear land of Guyana.
This once proud nation that became the first Cooperative Republic
in the world, with prospects of the ‘Small
Man becoming a Real Man’ has degenerated to its present dilemma where citizens of African descent are subjected
to appalling living conditions.
The inhumane treatment of Afro-Guyanese by the power elite East Indians (descendants of indentured laborers) is tantamount
to survival under dictatorship or similar repressive systems. Unfortunately, the unsympathetic physical and mental afflictions
meted-out to PNC supporters are perpetrated by East Indians, who gained their emancipation because of the sacrifices and struggles
of African slaves.
Why has Indian political
power become synonymous with poverty and marginalization of Afro-Guyanese citizens? Should the PNC adopt a policy of alternating
ethnic leaders to increase support among East Indians? Or can the PNC remain a viable political entity if it continues to
garner support from only districts in Demerara? Finally, are Black politicians knowingly, collaborating with government officials
for personal aggrandizement and sanctioning the suffering of their constituents?
Prior to the
1992 general elections that gave rise to the current regime there has never been a government that displayed such overt contempt
for its citizenry. The lack of public accountability and inept governance have
jettisoned chances of political stability and rendered economic expansion virtually unfeasible. Racial intolerance, which
was suppressed for decades has re-emerged under this regime and plagues Guyana
from coast to coast.
The harsh reality
for a significant percent of the population is surviving under deteriorating conditions as a consequence of government incompetence.
For the most part this regime has been pre-occupied with efforts to obliterate the PNC and in large measures it has succeeded.
Our party leaders have unknowingly aided in this plot by removing all vestiges of Burnham and his PNC legacy. What was achieved
with the party’s name change (PNCR)? Maybe the regime’s strategy of muzzling dissent will permit self serving
PNCR leaders to collude with adversaries to further weaken organized opposition to the government.
Since its status as
an opposition party the PNCR has been maligned and relegated to a point of irrelevancy as a political entity. Almost 15 years
after our election defeat, PNCR supporters have become discombobulated and are experiencing the dilemma of being in opposition,
a scenario never anticipated under former president L.F.S Burnham. During that same period many staunch supporters have witnessed
a series of miscalculations, political gimmicks and mediocre PNCR leadership. Their disappointment has been augmented by internal
rift, petty-politics and attempts by some individuals to solidify their leadership positions at any cost. This pattern of
ostracizing members to secure control serves only to further destroy rather than rebuild the PNC.
Many supporters are
publicly expressing their displeasure and disillusionment with the party leadership. As concerned supporters, it is imperative
that we coalesce, try to decipher a new direction and rally around a credible leader who would be Guyana’s
next president.
It is not facetious
to suggest that unless the PNC becomes a plausible alternative or a more viable political option the expectations of substantive
change for Afro-Guyanese generally and PNC supporters in particular will remain dire at best.
All concerned supporters must make their voices heard and begin to agitate and advocate for transmutation within the
PNCR if we envisage regaining power. If you are desirous of making a contribution to this plausible cause join forces with
other friends and PNC well-wishers and together let us work to transform the PNCR.Guyanese deserve nothing less but a genuine
political alternative to the current band of masqueraders.
For more information email: guyanapalmtree@yahoo.com
