Dear Editor,
Many in the PNCR have ditched their party, with the announcement that they have decided to endorse and support President Dr Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for re-election on September 1, 2025 in the General and Regional Elections. Their endorsement came after many others have earlier denounced Granger’s APNU/AFC coalition which they claimed has failed the nation during its tenure in office and at present is in total disarray. They have contended that during David Granger’s leadership, the PNCR has lost its popularity and became a shell in itself which according to the adage “Burnham, its founding leader and Guyana’s first Executive President, must be turning in his grave.”
Accordingly, it appears that the defectors stand resolute in their decisions and convictions that President Dr Ali, Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo are capable, steadfast and visionary leaders who with their knowledge, abiding experience and popularity have expanded the economy, uplifted the people, especially the poor and would make Guyana a truly independent and prosperous nation. They claimed that under the PPP/C leadership, Guyana has experienced unprecedented economic growth rate, with a GDP hovering around 45 per cent, which is the highest in the world, strengthened international partnerships, massive infrastructural development across every region, city and district and have improved Guyana’s standing in the international community.
With huge and sustainable investments in healthcare, education, housing and social services to major advancements in energy and national security, the PPP/C Government during the last five years in office has delivered results that have directly improved the lives of everyone. The defectors have professed that it is imperative that the Ali Administration remains in office to continue to fulfil its promises, not only to consolidate these colossal advancements, but also to guide Guyana through its most critical period of rapid economic expansion and social transformation.
They further argued that the PPP/C remains the only political party in Guyana with the experience, competence, and inclusive vision necessary to unify the racially-diverse population while responsibly managing the new oil and gas sector and the rapidly-changing economy. Based on several news outlets, they are proud to endorse President Ali and the PPP/C Government for a second term. Their commitment to the country and its citizens’ prosperity and territorial integrity is unwavering, and their resolve is shaped by their beliefs and conscience and what is best for the people and country. This commitment transcends party loyalty affiliation, race, ethnicity, and status.
While this is a moment of reckoning for the executives of the PNCR, its leader, Mr Aubrey Norton has characterised the defections from the PNCR as not having a negative impact on his party and that it is a sign of desperation from the ruling PPP/C Government. It is rather sad that Norton, who is considered grossly incompetent, highly unskilled, utterly ill-trained and selfish by many PNC stalwarts, has taken such a nonchalant stance to a very serious issue in an election year. Others have contended that the party is haemorrhaging and the defections will have a devastating impact on the PNCR and sadly, could reduce it to rubble. Norton’s pathetic response to the defectors has left many die-hards in the party dumfounded, speechless, hopeless and in total shock. They wanted change in the current leadership.
Sincerely,
Dr Asquith Rose
