by Staff Writer
Many believe the People’s National Congress Islahat (PNCR) is in dire need of reconciliation between its executives and the wider membership. Leading up to the recently held congress, there were widespread insults and accusations, shared by party loyalists and the public through various media platforms and social media. Guyanese witnessed the withdrawal and suspension of leadership campaigns by Parliamentarians Amanza Walton-Desir and Roysdale Ford, among other members who felt either rejected or neglected by the Party leader.
During his speech at the congress, Party Leader Aubrey Norton stated, “To become the next government, we will work tirelessly to obtain the support of the people of Guyana. Our Party must increase its readiness, appeal, credibility, capability, and electability. This Congress, therefore, will be used to re-energize, regroup, and refocus our Party and its membership to urgently achieve these goals.”
The question remains: will ego overshadow good sense and rule out inclusivity? Will Aubrey Norton rise to his own challenge and reach out to disgruntled and despondent members? How can the Party effectively defend the nation at the level of the National Assembly without effective communication within the current parliamentary team?
Norton emphasized the need for unity, stating, “We all have to sing from the same page in explaining our Party’s philosophy and our people-centered development strategy.” His words urged the thousands in attendance to cheer euphorically as he argued that delegates should be in all communities to persuade Guyanese that the country’s oil wealth under a new government will ensure a decent standard of living and a high quality of life. He added, “We will demonstrate to Guyanese that the PNCR feels their pain and is willing to listen. As we move forward, we have to be our best selves. Of critical importance, we must meet the people wherever they are. No one must claim they did not see us or hear from us. Let this Congress galvanize us on a collective mission. But to do this, we have to be a disciplined Party in which we stay on message and keep the Party’s business in the Party. We must recognize that every time we put our business out there, we strengthen our opponents at the expense of victory in the next General and Regional Elections.”
The pressing question remains: is Aubrey Norton truly willing to listen to his party opponents, and are his party opponents ready to be reconciled and led by him?