Dear Editor,
Khemraj Ramjattan had predicted before the 2015 national elections that his political party, the AFC, would become “dead meat” should it team up with PNC/APNU. Well, it subsequently contested the elections under the banner of APNU/AFC, and with active campaigning by the party’s leader, Ramjattan.
Having teamed up with APNU, the AFC claimed that it brought in some 11% of the votes; and the AFC leaders and members were given some 40% of parliamentary seats and ministerial positions in the Granger-led government. The AFC faction was given large and important ministries, including Public Infrastructure, Agriculture, Public Safety, and the Prime Ministerial position, with attractive and substantially enhanced remuneration packages which motivated them, at every opportunity, to sing loudly for their supper without rocking the government boat.
This gives the facade of a powerful partnership with ministerial titles and parliamentary seats, but the PNC kept them in their places, so that they support without a squeak of opposition to all the actions of the PNC leader and President, who is dominantly and totally in control of the grouping, having remunerated them well, and with magnificent ministerial and job titles.
However, their conduct and performance of their lawful public duties can only be evaluated as third-rated. Their campaign was deceptive, fooling part of the PPP base, offering them “a good, and even a better life”. The AFC sold out to the PNC. The rice farmers and the thousands of sugar workers who were vindictively, spitefully, racially and politically discriminated against, dismissed, and placed on the bread line as the 2017 Christmas gift for themselves, their families, and surrounding communities, now agree and confirm the “dead meat” status of the ‘political prophet’ Ramjattan.
Let Trotman tell the nation of his half-hearted campaign, how many votes he brought to the coalition, and the secret Nassau understanding with Granger. Many, like prophet Ramjattan, predict that Trotman is easing his way back into the PNC with an eye on a leadership position in the PNC.
The declared results of the 2015 elections gave the combination a one-seat majority with a one-vote win of the seat for Region 8. Some people argue that we have a Government with a seat which was won by one vote, and consequently a one-vote majority Government.
The reported declaration by Trotman and other AFC leaders that the AFC was considering contesting the 2018 local government elections independently is welcome news. The reality of this is good, and will confirm their status as “dead meat” or otherwise. It would be useful information for Granger’s assessment. The voters may be required to bury the “dead meat” AFC party, or freeze the meat. The voters will not be fooled again.
Yours faithfully,
Joshua Singh
