Berbicians unlikely to renew support for AFC – Feel Nagamootoo has axe to grind

The proposed Moses Nagamootoo-Nigel Hughes ticket for the AFC in the general elections seems to be baffling not only to the general public, but even to supporters of the Alliance for Change. I spoke to several of them in Berbice on Sunday and they were surprised at the statement made by the party’s leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, who hails from No. 47 Village on the Corentyne.

I note with concern that the movement was formed by former executive member of the PNC, Raphael Trotman and Ramjattan, who was a top brass and central executive member of the PPPC. What is the reason why these two founders are no longer at the helm?
Nagamootoo who grew up with the PPP said time and time again that the party’s founder leader, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, had identified him to take over the party after his demise, but Jagan’s widow, Janet, thought otherwise and handpicked Bharrat Jagdeo, a young man who was not in the trenches like Moses, Navin Chandarpal, and others.
From reports, the top brass of the AFC is considering whether to merge with APNU to oppose the PPPC at the next general elections. They have to make a decision as soon as possible. A large number of their supporters prefer them to join ranks with the governing PPPC, and a few intend to make representation to the party leadership in this regard.
A large number of persons in Region six are dissatisfied with the AFC and there is an indication that the party will not secure as many votes as it did at the last general elections. The PPPC will have to work hard to get the support of these voters, because some of them have expressed the view that they will not exercise their franchise.
Some AFC supporters referred to Raphael Trotman, the first leader, who did not make way for Ramjattan as agreed, and asked why should they follow a party where the leaders who not stick to principles. They also made comments about Nagamootoo, whom they said is a very hard worker, but feel he “has an axe to grind” against the PPPC leadership.
The Nagamootoo-Hughes ticket has raised serious discussions in Berbice and no doubt the entire country, and one wonders what the next move of the third party will be.