Ferguson wants to rejuvenate party’s base, strengthen youth movement

PNCR’s Vice Chair race

By Michael Younge

Youth empowerment, building a stronger grassroots support base and continuing the work currently being undertaken by the current People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) executive would be the core areas of focus if Annette Ferguson were to be successful in her bid to become the PNCR’s next Vice Chairman. The party’s 20th Biennial Congress is slated for August 17-19.
Ferguson, speaking with Guyana Times on Friday, said she remains committed towards working very hard to ensure the PNCR continues to be a strong party which is capable of catapulting Guyana further into the 21st century by providing the highest quality of leadership and policies that could transform its socio-economic dynamics.
“If victorious, I will continue in the same manner as I am right now, work hard and serve my people. However, with the assumption of office, it means greater responsibility and accountability to the electorate and party membership. And therefore my number one priority will be to deliver the promise I made during plea for delegates to elect me,” she said.
For Ferguson, the core areas of focus would include, but not limited to, building a strong youth arm and strengthening of the women’s arm; the continuous mobilisation of the masses; the development of strategies for the sustainability of the PNCR, and the implementation of programmes so that members can be trained and be exposed to the ideologies and philosophies of the founder Leader.
“Whether elected or not, I will continue to contribute my ideas and plans to those

vested with the responsibility of taking this party forward. I believe our ideas and plans are sound and will greatly benefit the enter membership of the party as whole. Today we compete as comrades because we are both aspiring for an office where only one can be elected; however, after that we have to pick the pieces up and work together to the betterment of Guyana,” Ferguson said during the interview.
Asked what inspired her to run for the office of Vice Chairman at such a young age, given that there are more experienced party members who feel entitled after waiting their turn, Ferguson explained that she accepted the nomination of her party group because she wanted to make a difference in the way the party is administered and response to the core interest groups that constitute the key demographics in the country.
“…According to the 2012 Population Census report, approximately 64 per cent of Guyana’s population is 35 years and younger. You asked me what inspires me to run at such a young age; that ought to give you an idea. I bring balance and representation to the demographics of Guyana. Young people must be given a fair chance to govern and what better role to start in than that of the Vice Chairman where you provide support to the leader and also learn and at the same time, share fresh ideas and perspective,” she remarked.
The PNCR executive who currently serves as the country’s Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, also explained that she has been meeting with delegates from the various regions and has been putting forward her “case” to the party’s membership.
“I believe we have done a good job in sharing our proposal and vision. The feedback is that we have generated enough interest and support from the membership… in terms of where is my biggest support base. It is a difficult question because we have been openly welcomed in the areas we have visited so far. For delegates who may still be indecisive, I solicit your support and will make a difference once given the opportunity to do so,” she explained.
She even expressed satisfaction with the work being done by the Congress Committee so far to ensure that the event runs smoothly and is of high standard.
“The bar has been set very high, but I am glad that we are on track with preparations. We want our delegates and comrades to feel please that they are part of a wonderful party with a solid legacy, so a lot of work has been done for this Congress. We have done everything that we can do for this Congress, so I am pleased with the preparations,” the PNCR Executive remarked.
Ferguson insisted that the PNCR has a crucial role to play in building a modern democratic Guyana.
“We are witnessing one of the greatest wealth discoveries of this country. And with the discovery of great wealth will come great responsibility in its fair and equal distribution. The PNCR is committed to ensuring every Guyanese gets a fair share of the pie and not just a selected few,” she added.
Ferguson served as one of the representatives of the PNCR in the 10th Parliament and has held several other leadership posts in the past.