– Norton, as members join PPP/C
Nomination Day for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) saw many faces from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) joining forces with the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
During a press conference on Thursday, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton contended that he is still supported by his party and supporters. “As far as I know, I have the support of the PNC/R Members of Parliament – for me, the most important support of the membership of this party; and the people on the ground,”
Norton told the media as he responded to questions.
Moreover, he shared that defection is “not new”, and comes post-election. The most recent General and Regional Elections were in May 2020.
“Defection is not new in Guyana…It is not a trend, but there have been cases where people tended to move in another direction. There is always an uncertainty that goes with a post-election period,” the Opposition Leader said.
Former Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, sitting APNU Councillor Trichria Richards, and popular entertainer and former Councillor Malcolm Ferreira are among the new personalities who have gone over to the PPP/C as the party vies to take control of Georgetown at the Local Government polls. They were among the large crowd of PPP/C members and candidates who arrived at the Critchlow Labour College to submit the party’s candidate lists for the LGE polls set for Monday, June 12.
Chase-Green and Richards were both once members of APNU on the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, while Ferreira was an independent Councillor. Chase-Green expressed confidence in both the vision of her party of choice and the list they submitted.
Meanwhile, Ferreira made it clear that he was with the PPP/C because of his confidence in its plan for the city, and his ability to work along with that party to get things done. He also noted that, since he was always an independent candidate, he could not be accused of “switching” allegiances.
“The Government invested a lot of money in infrastructure. That gave me an indication that persons were willing to work with others. And so here I am…I believe not in blowing my own trumpet, but I would have had a track record already as councillor,” Ferreira said.
In an interview with this publication, former APNU councillor Trichria Richards said her decision to join PPP/C stemmed from her lack of confidence in her former party. According to her, she has confidence in the PPP/C’s plans.
“I have no confidence in the APNU/AFC coalition, more so the PNC. And the PPP is all about development and progress, and I want my constituencies to be a part of that. That’s why I (opted) to go with them,” Richards was quoted as saying.
The PPP/C General Secretary, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, meanwhile noted that the presence of former APNU/AFC members in his party’s ranks signals the diverse support the party has. According to Jagdeo, the PPP/C has demonstrated once again it is the only multi-ethnic party in Guyana.
Other notable personalities appearing with the PPP/C are former national and West Indies cricketer, businessman Steven Jacobs, national footballer Jeremy Garrett, and social media content creator ‘Selfie Boss’.
