Last Saturday the Alliance For Change (AFC) convened its 1st Meeting of the newly elected National Executive Committee (NEC), under the leadership of Nigel Hughes. The Party, in a release, said the meeting held at its Headquarters saw a packed agenda of items being considered, including setting out the vision of the new leadership, the co-opting of the additional members of the Executive, as required by its Constitution, and the convening of several Standing and Special Committees of the Party.
The NEC approved the convening and membership of Standing Committees – Disciplinary, Finance, Constitution and Rules, Membership, and Public Relations. Concurrently, a Special Committee, the Campaign Committee was established, based on the belief that General and Regional Elections are due within a year’s time, or possibly less. The Party made known that for all intents and purposes it has begun its mobilisation for the elections. The next General and Regional Elections are constitutionally due in 2025.
Addressing the matter, Hughes signalled that he is embarking on a “listening and grounding” tour to as many places and communities that would receive him and AFC teams and groups. The Party said since his election on June 29 several of these exercises were conducted and more are planned in the coming days and weeks.
The incumbent leader charged the new executive to embrace a spirit of camaraderie and indicated that there must be renewed vigour and enthusiasm as the Members of Parliament, and other national representatives, performed their functions in representing the people.
At the same time he welcomed the new leadership and thanked the immediate past leadership for their contributions and efforts in sustaining the Party over the past years. Khemraj Ramjattan, immediate past leader, came in for special recognition.
The new 40-member NEC comprises –
Leader – C.A.Nigel Hughes, Chairman – David Patterson, Vice-Chairman – Michael Carrington, General Secretary – Raphael Trotman. Other members are- Khemraj Ramjattan, Valerie Garrido Lowe, Sherod Duncan, Beverley Alert, Derek Basdeo, Juretha Fernandes, Camille Cox, Cathy Hughes, Haimraj Rajkumar, Deonarine (Ricky) Ramsaroop , Nicola Trotman, Mark Goring, Devin Sears, Bryan Nobrega, Quacy Isaacs, Norris King, Dianna Rajcumar, Daniel Fraser, Simon Duggan, Liliann Joseph-Cumberbatch, Charlene Garraway, Kenny Valladares, Onix Duncan, 10 Regional Representatives of the Regional Management Committees, Two representatives of the AFC-USA Chapter, One Representative of the AFC-Caribbean Chapter, One Representative of the Youth For Change (YFC), One Representative of the Women For Change (WFC). In total, forty (40) persons completed the composition of the Executive Committee.
The Party announced the appointment of two (2) Assistant General Secretaries “given the exigencies of the approaching elections season, and the magnitude of tasks to be undertaken.” They are Mr. Derek Basdeo and Ms. Beverley Alert.
The AFC also signalled one of the primary tasks of the NEC is the expansion of the party’s membership, with a commitment given by its leader to resuscitate groups in the diaspora.
Hughes’ message of hope and electoral militancy resonated well with the NEC members, the Party asserted.