The Party of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham has led Guyana from pre-independence to independence and republican status and it has laid the foundation for nation building under the motto: “One People One Nation One Destiny.” Not only must we protect the legacy of Mr. Burnham, as it relates to his party, and the structure that he put in place, we must do so to protect and ensure the gains he made are not dismantled but serve instead as a pinnacle. It is also important we uphold these values and draw stark distinction between the PNCR and its opponent, particularly the current regime, for whom there is no such strong embrace.
I have travelled to many communities across Guyana and met with party comrades who are demanding leadership to hold the People’s Progressive Party Government accountable, as they work collectively to rid the society of pervasive corruption, racism, division, marginalisation and exclusion of sections of Guyanese.
During my visits across Guyana I met the housewives who are struggling to feed their families; saw the despair, the hopelessness, the hunger in the eyes of our youth; the husband made impotent in an unfair and unjust society that has taken away his right to earn a living wage, destroying his dignity and self-worth; the elderly experiencing dire hardship and fearful for what the future holds, haven given the best days of their lives to building this beloved country.
These stories agonsie me.
It must be of concern to all, that in a land of plenty, the economic disparity is so vast and there are so many without. The Irfaan Ali administration is busy building a ‘one Guyana’ that leaves most Guyanese behind and something is wrong with this picture.
I acknowledge efforts at the grassroots to stem the tide of the PPP’s excesses. With little or no resources and political direction, persons have organised and mobilised themselves at the last Local Government Elections to fight for the nation’s democracy and repelled the dangerous red wave that has brought this country nothing but pain.
The time has come for different leadership. Leadership that recognises the future of Guyana is now. Leadership that would define the course of Guyana. Leadership capable of delivering equity, social, economic and political advancement and justice for all Guyanese. Leadership that truly believes in “One People One Nation One Destiny.” It is with a great sense of purpose and resoluteness; purpose to be part of a much needed process of change and a resoluteness to work tirelessly with every member of the PNCR to make this a reality.
As the PNCR gets ready for its Biennial Delegates Conference on on before August 31, 2024, where elections will be held, it is important to address our minds to building our future starting now by regrouping, refocusing and rebuilding.
Regroup
Regrouping is a crucial aspect of the PNCR’s political endeavour not just as a political strategy, but as a testament to our collective strength and resilience as a party. The PNCR has a rich history and a diverse array of perspectives that make us strong. It is therefore critical that we come together, to regroup and realign our efforts in pursuit of our shared values and goals for the betterment of the people.
Unity within our party should not just be a mere aspiration, but must be seen as a fundamental necessity for the PNCR to achieve meaningful progress and enact positive change, not for ourselves but for the people of this nation that we serve.
In regrouping we must bridge divides, build consensus and harness the strength of our unity to amplify our impact as we forge a path forward that prioritizes the wellbeing and prosperity of all Guyanese. So it is important that we regroup not as factions or individuals, but as a united force, not just to present a unified front, but to be the united front that addresses the very issues that affect the livelihood of the people of this nation.
Refocus
Political parties face a myriad of challenges both internally and externally and the PNCR is not exempted from challenges. However, it is during challenging times and moments of uncertainty that we must refocus our energies and realign our priorities.
Refocusing for the party means recommitting ourselves to the core values and principles that bind and keep us together. It means putting one’s personal agenda and ego aside for the greater good of the party and the people of our nation. It means constantly engaging in constructive dialogue, actively listening to diverse perspectives, and always finding common ground to move forward.
Refocusing cannot occur in isolation, hence why regrouping is necessary. As the party refocuses internally we must also refocus our attention on the issues that matter most to the Guyanese people –the high cost of living, better healthcare, education, economic opportunities for all, a clean voters list and there is much more that can be added to this list. We must refocus our strategies to effectively address these pressing issues and deliver real, tangible solutions that improve the lives of our fellow Guyanese.
It is imperative that we refocus on what unites us, rather than what separates us, as a party and as a nation.
Rebuild
Having set the course of regrouping & refocusing it is abundantly clear that we must make a collective effort to rebuild our party. The challenges at times may seem significant, and the road ahead may be fraught with obstacles, but I believe that through commitment, unity and dedication, the PNCR can emerge stronger than ever before.
Rebuilding requires us to confront the many beliefs, attitudes, egos and fractures that threaten to weaken our collective resolve. It demands a strong commitment to inclusivity, to embracing diversity of thought and perspective, and to fostering an environment where every voice is heard, appreciated and valued.
In rebuilding we must rededicate ourselves to the principles that have always been the bedrock of our party, the principles of fairness, equity, equality, and justice for all. We must roll up our sleeves and get to work in rebuilding trust and confidence among our members and supporters, engaging those communities that feel marginalised or forgotten.
We must embark on this journey of rebuilding with courage and determination, standing on the shoulders of those who have laid the foundation for us to build to deeper depths and higher heights. We must rise above the fray of petty and lawless politics and chart a course towards a brighter, more inclusive future for our party and all Guyanese. Together, we can rebuild the Mighty PNCR and our nation, brick by brick, until we stand tall as a permanent beacon of hope and possibility from generation to generation.
Guyana has a bright future for all of us. And I call on party members and supporters to come on this journey with me, to regroup, refocus and rebuild as we work to make the PNCR stronger than ever. Join me as we work together to Unite the forces and Rally the Coalition to Victory in 2025!