Nagamootoo pulls out of contest …says not quitting AFC

Prime Minister and Vice Chairman of the Alliance For Change, Moses Nagamootoo had declined nominations for the top posts at his party’s congress which opens today. In a statement the Prime Minister said he will however accept nomination for the National Executive Committee and will serve on this body if elected. “I have been nominated for the top AFC party positions but wish to announce that I will not contest for election as Leader, Chairman or Vice-Chairman. I however, accept nomination for the National Executive Committee (NEC), and will serve on this body if elected.”
Additionally, the PM said he had informed the party’s leaders two weeks ago of his intention not to contest for these positions. “It is unfortunate that what I had said was misinterpreted as my complete withdrawal from the AFC’s leadership. I am not quitting the AFC. I am just shedding party leadership titles and status,” the prime minister said.
“I want to say this: I am fully involved in the AFC. I want to see the party grow and become stronger. I want the party to reform and broaden its structure to bring on board the young generation of fighters, the so-called “Second Eleven” as we gear for 2020. I have spent 52 years in active party-based politics. I have served in senior leadership positions in the PPP since 1976 and, after I resigned, I became Vice-Chairman of the AFC since 2012. I have decided that it is time to make political space in party leadership for a new generation of leaders,” the PM said.
He thanked the party members who have nominated him but assured them of his continued service. “The AFC holds a strategic place in the governance of Guyana. It ought to be credited with making history when it sought a strategic parliamentary alliance with the APNU, tabled a motion of no-confidence in the then corrupt government, and brokered the APNU+AFC Coalition that won the 2015 elections. Our leaders deserve commendation for those heroic and strategic moves and for working every day to keep the Coalition Government stable and strong, and changing Guyana for the better.”
On Thursday incumbent Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan said he is optimistic about returning as leader at the helm at this weekend’s congress. The AFC’s congress, which is slated for Saturday at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, will see Ramjattan running against Trotman for the post of leader.
When questioned on Thursday about his chances, Ramjattan said that he has been a good leader and has led the party well, thus he believes that he will be returned to the helm. “There is no exclusionary rule that prevents me from running again and that is why we did what we did in the formulation of it. But if that was to be made, 12 out of the 16 names would have to come off,” said the AFC’s leader.
He indicated that it would be an undemocratic move to prevent the membership from having a leader of their choice, Ramjattan stressed, noting that there will also be election for a new Chairman, which he has also been nominated for.
The nominees for this post also include Catherine Hughes, Ramjattan and Trotman. The position was previously held by Nigel Hughes. For the Vice-Chairman position, AFC delegates have nominated, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Catherine Hughes, Audwin Rutherford and Trotman.
Meanwhile, Trotman, the current Minister of Natural Resources, told reporters on Wednesday evening at a reception at the Chinese Embassy on Mandela Avenue, that the AFC will remain united, despite the outcome of the elections. He said that he has been nominated by several persons and he plans to represent them to the best of his ability. The founding member noted that he will serve in whatever capacity he is elected within the party, noting that his nomination provided him with added confidence to serve the AFC. Trotman said that the elections will capture the vision of the AFC, noting that the party brings strength and value to the Coalition government. “And we meet the people’s expectations, the people expect us to be a strong and vibrant party,” he said.
Trotman added that the AFC‘s vision is not premised on race but rather a “commonality of purpose,” noting that whoever presents the best possibilities to the party will become eventual winners.
Hughes for her part told the Guyana Chronicle that the elections will provide the party with an opportunity to regroup and “get back out on the road”. She said that she is honored to be nominated for the Vice-Chair and Chairmanship of the party. She described the AFC as “a baby,” noting that she is committed to the development of the party.
Hughes said the party has an important role to play in the political landscape of Guyana, as she noted its 11 years in existence. She said the elections follow a democratic process, and the results will be up to the membership to decide.
Hughes noted that the philosophy of the AFC is to bridge the racial divide, noting that there is a history in Guyana of looking at race during elections processes. “I would like to think we represent a wide cross section of Guyanese,” she said, noting that competency and commitment is of more value to the AFC. She also refuted suggestions that the AFC has “died “or is “swamped” by the APNU.
Asked what she brings to the table for Saturday’s elections, Hughes believes that there are not many women participating at the political level in Guyana. She said the constant negatives and personal attacks could be a factor, noting that politics here has not really matured. She noted that certain situations require a woman’s perspective.
According to Hughes, the party is young and its members sit around a table and discussions are open for anyone to make an input. Hughes said it has not been easy transitioning from opposition to government, noting that the party has done research and remains committed to the governance of the country. Hughes also spoke to the women’s arm of the AFC, ‘Women for Change,’ which she said is looking to expand its reach.
As it relates to the road ahead, she expressed hope that the thinking within the AFC continues being one which is “out of the box”, as she recalled the party being considered the one who “will push the envelope.” She said being in government is different, noting that the party has a responsibility to play its role within the government.