Post LGE nominations: Respect those who support PPP/C – Pres Ali calls for mature politics

…urges Opposition to demonstrate responsible leadership

In the wake of criticisms that have accompanied the crossover of several Afro-Guyanese to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), President Dr Irfaan Ali has appealed for more mature and tolerant politics, which respects the choices of persons to support any political grouping they wish.
On Nomination Day, a number of new Afro-Guyanese supporters, including those from the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition, turned out in support of the PPP/C.

These include entertainer Malcolm Ferreira also known as “Mr Wickedee”, athletes in the likes of Jeremy Garrett, Keevin Allicock and Steve Jacobs, and even sitting APNU Councillors Trichria Richards and Esan Vanderstoop.
Their choices, however, have seen criticism in various sections of society, mainly from Opposition forces. But in an address to the nation on Tuesday, President Ali appealed for more sensible and mature politics to prevail, whereby everyone’s choice of political party is respected. He also directly called out Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, who in a video broadcast had suggested that persons were being paid by the PPP/C to show support for the party on Nomination Day.
“Some of the statements that is attributed to him, is of great cause for concern. For example, using comments like money as disposal for Black support. That is disparaging. You claim to respect our Afro-Guyanese brothers and sisters. And this is what you will say to them? That they can be bought?”
“That backward type of politics, that disheartening type of politics is something for the past. That can’t win any more, Mr Norton. That can’t bring people together. That age-old strategy of yours has died. Understand this: You cannot disparage people this way, that they can be bought with money… why can’t we let these elections be one where we’re debating ideas?” Ali said.
President Ali questioned whether the Opposition thought those Afro-Guyanese joining the PPP/C could not think for themselves and lauded those who did join the party. He further emphasized the importance of tolerance and zeroed in on calls by some for the boycott of businesses owned by those who joined the PPP/C.
“I’m seeing leading members of the Opposition calling on the boycott of businesses, owned by Afro-Guyanese people. What nonsense is this? What backwardness is this? This is what you call leadership? This is what you call building an inclusive society? This is what you call tolerance? Oh, my dear friends, it is not.”

“Why can’t you provide good leadership, by respecting the rights of people? Good leadership is to respect the choices of people. That is what democracy is. It gives people choices… I want us all to understand that joining a political party is part of your democratic right. You should not be chastised,” Ali said.

Crossover
Local Government Elections are scheduled to be held on June 12. Headlining the former APNU members who have gone over to the PPP/C was former Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green. Both Green and Richards were once members of APNU on the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, while Ferreira was an independent Councillor. Chase-Green had expressed confidence in both her party of choice’s vision and the list they submitted.
“It was a very smooth process. We just submitted a winning list to Georgetown. And we look forward to full progress, unity, peace and togetherness. Development of the city. When we’ve come out victorious… we’ll deal with that plan. We already have a plan [to improve the city],” Chase-Green had said.
Meanwhile, Ferreira had made it clear that he was with the PPP/C because of his confidence in their plan for the city and the ability to work along with them to get things done. He had 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.
“And the residents of constituency number 10 [can] point definitely to the things I’ve done. In terms of there [being] the largest youth group. Hundreds of children. Looking after infrastructure. Ensuring that single parents and school dropouts get the type of investment and love that they need.”
In an interview with this publication, former APNU Councillor Richards had said that 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 said.
PPP/C General Secretary and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, had 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. (G3)