Guyana Observer News

AFC’s decision to exclude PNCR not unanimous – Trotman

Friday, 30 July 2010

… says it represents democracy at work

By Gary Eleazar

Sample Image

“I, as leader, know that people expect that the Alliance For Change (AFC) will find a way to make it possible for an alliance of all interested and patriotic persons and groups to be in place in time for the 2011 elections…Politics is about making the impossible possible.” This is according to Raphael Trotman of the AFC who in an interview with this newspaper said that the party at the time of its birth in 2005 promised healing and reconciliation, not division. Speaking to the decision that was made by the party’s National Executive Committee, Trotman said, “I believe that the decision of last Saturday, even though made with the best interest of the AFC at heart, can actually create more division than it does healing and from that standpoint alone, has to be placed under constant review.”

He said that the people of Guyana expect the AFC to find a way to make warring and distrustful factions divided by race and past experiences work together for the good of Guyana.
“This is a mighty expectation, but it is the one that we were expected to fulfill since 2005…I urge everyone therefore not to despair and to feel as if the battle is lost…There are still many miles to go.”
Trotman said that he had hoped for a different, less rigid decision, on shutting out the institutional parties, “but I know only too well that sometimes we don’t always get what we expect when we expect it, and in the manner that we want.”
He said that this does not mean “that we have to give up and run away but continue fighting for what we believe is just and right…It does not mean that the battle is over.”
Trotman said that he will certainly take up the invitation of persons who called and met him to vent their frustration and sometimes anger.
He said he will listen more and ask the party’s members and supporters, “to define exactly what they want to see us doing in an alliance and with whom”.
He said it is well known that himself along with others still believe that the door must be left ajar for others to be accommodated at the right time.
“While we respect the decision of the majority, we will continue to engage our members and to sound off the decision on them.”
He says that he expects soon that they will publish their promised document on “Pathways to Victory in 2011” and then truly begin to listen to the voices of the people.
“The decision of the party was one of a majority of the executive and not a unanimous one…This must be understood…Democracy within the AFC is alive and the majority will prevail but it does not mean that that will is non-responsive to the views of the people and non-responsive to change.”
Trotman says that he believes that over the next few crucial months, the people of Guyana have to speak and speak clearly as to what they expect of the AFC and all others wanting to enter into alliances for the upcoming elections.
Trotman emphasized that the AFC is mature enough for those who did not support the decision to respect it and move on with the work that has to be done.
“I have no doubt that at our upcoming Convention later in the year this matter will be put front and centre for the delegates to decide…I really would like all possible options to be available to the delegates for them to be able to make an informed decision.”
Trotman said that politics in Guyana is highly unorthodox and in a constant state of flux, “so let’s wait and see what will be the final position when the dust settles.”
He said that ultimately, he would like to see the AFC in the best alliance possible and not practice the politics of exclusion by picking and choosing who fits better and where.
“Already we have seen several individuals, civil society groups, union and farmers’ leaders and representatives, and political parties saying let us join hands together…This is a momentous happening that speaks of something awesome about to be unveiled in Guyana.”
Trotman said that he believes that, “we must guard against the appearance of being too insular in our approach to decision making generally, and alliance building in particular.”
He said that, “The concerns of feeling alienated, marginalized, and facing economic and political obliteration are not lost on me and I will continue to impress on the leadership and wider membership that we have to give special attention to every vulnerable group in Guyana.”
Trotman opined, “These are the stark realities which we cannot ignore as leaders or we may do so at our own peril…For me, we should not be involved in politics for the sake of it but because we want to represent those who are without a voice and need representation.”
He said that the frustration being experienced by all Guyanese is real and, “daily we see growing instances of dictatorial government.”
Trotman said that the most recent example is President Bharrat Jagdeo’s manner of addressing the Marriott Hotel developments whilst lambasting the Guyana Pegasus.
“People can’t stomach much more, and that is why I fully understand the frustration people feel that there is a possibility of a PPP/C victory if all willing hands are not brought onboard…We will have to expect that we make the best decisions going forward not based on what we think is best, but based solely on what we know the people think is best.”
Trotman said leaders are custodians of the people’s trust and therefore cannot be too removed or out of touch with their wishes and desires.
“In the meantime, there is much work to be done and there is no likelihood of resignation or rebellion as we continue to prepare the party for battle against the PPP/C.”
**************************************

Add comment

JComments

< Prev		Next >

[ Back ]

Our Staff

M.Benschop
Publisher
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

A. Reteymyer - Editor in Chief

Sharda Dasrat - Editor

Our Contact Address

USA OFFICE
4710 Church Avenue,
Brooklyn New York.
Tel: 718-462-2020

GUYANA OFFICE
313 East Street
Georgetown
GUYANA
Tele: 011-592-227-8057
011-592-227-8113
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mission Statement

The Mark Benschop Foundation was officially launched in March 2008 by its founder and chairman Mark Benschop and other concerned Guyanese and well wishers in the United States of America. What started as a small operation geared toward helping those in need has grown so large that they were forced to move their offices to a whole building in East Street where the vast amount of people responding to their generosity could be accommodated.

Foundation Membership Form

Application form for any person applying for membership in The Mark Benschop Foundation.

Please download and print out the membership application form and send completed form to our office nearest to you.

Download Membership form.doc

Don't be left out! Join the Movement of Change for a better Guyana

Do your part to rid Guyana of the racial and backward politics that is slowly taking over the country. Join us in giving hope to the people of Guyana regardless of their ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.

Visitors Counter

You are visitor # 5935750 . Thank you!

Online Radio

Latest News

Contribute to our Website

Anyone wishing to contribute articles or letters to The Guyana Observer News, can email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Are you looking for the best prices in town, Realiable service and door to door pick up and delivery? Then contact Williams Caribbean Shipping today. Mention that you saw this ad on our website and receive a 10% discount!