Candidate for leadership of the PNCR, Sharma Solomon today set out where he stands on a range of issues and said he represents the change that the party needs.

He also warned about the PNCR losing direction with individual rights being denied in the party. He also came out in firm support of the planned motion of no-confidence against the government. The PNCR’s biennial delegates’ conference is to be held this weekend. The incumbent David Granger, Aubrey Norton and Solomon are running for the position of leader.

Solomon’s statement issued today follows:

Sharma Solomon
Statement
23^rd July, 2014

Sharma Solomon

Following my nomination in the Party for positions of Leader, Chairman, Vice Chairman and Committee Member, it is which much humility the confidence the membership reposed in me is noted . The Central Executive is a leadership arm of party and as part of this leadership it would be a humbling experience to serve people at a larger scale. My thoughts on these are:-

• Regional figure vis a vis  national figure

Leaders evolve from many different areas and becoming a national figure is one of strategic positioning or transformation.  The people’s hope is that as a member of the party leadership I will be in a position to influence decision-making that will see the party optimise its potential.  I hope to fulfil their vision, regarding- building and uniting the party and to provide leadership that will bring about growth and consolidation of party resources to effectively address and respond to the political challenges and dynamics of this era: crime, injustice, joblessness, corruption, youth hopelessness.  I hope to put the history of the party in its proper perspective, for there are lots to be proud of and lots of achievements that have been either distorted or denied.

•  Chances are for being elected
• Very good. From feedback people are ripe for change, both in the party and outside of the party.   The PNCR is a party that is alive and in constant motion. We have to sometimes take cues from public opinion. I believe from the support I have the feedback and encouragement I represent the change that the party needs.   The reality is though, that my chances for being elected are not only hinged on the will of the people but the circumstances under which these are expressed. I would encourage all who support change to safeguard their democracy within the party the same as we seek to safeguard it nationally and as other parties in other nations do also. The PNCR is the only party where such democracy exists and we must constantly safeguard it.
• What I can bring to the Central Executive
• Leadership by example. Leaders must be able to lead by example and I have this to offer, because what we call for nationally we must be prepared to commit to within the party.  I see myself being able to do this as I have been doing based on my record.  My record speaks for itself, integrity and keeping promises to the people, communicating with them and respect for diverse views. The party is losing this direction and focus where the constitution is being violated and individual rights denied.   At the national level we see so much violations, we condemn them. Our party must not now after setting such examples and with such internal democracy undermine the very pillar upon which it advocates for change in society. We cannot embrace what we condemn.  I am prepared to offer leadership (better representation) consistent with the constitution, individual rights and fairness as the party moves foward.
• Members satisfaction with Mr. Granger’s leadership
• Being on the Central Executive presents the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and make a difference.  Having been nominated for several positions by the people, it is certainly a show of the confidence the members have in my ability to lead. It is also a sign that they want to ensure alternative choices. It is a sign of them willing to express their democratic will where no leader is led to believe that leadership of the party is an entitlement or personal preserve. I am privileged to be considered for leadership and I take these nominations, the membership needs and concerns very seriously.
• Making a difference
• I would ensure respect the PNC constitution and the rights of the people; engage in consultative decision making that respects their involvement.
• Youth leadership in one of Guyana’s largest political party.  
• Age is a factor that people use to manipulate or influence decision in their favour. Often times this is done conveniently.   Mr. Forbes Burnham, Dr. Cheddie Jagan, Dr. Martin Luther King, Dr. Walter Rodney, Mr. Barack Obama were all of my age group when they came into the national political arena. Bad example though former President Jagdeo may be, he also was considered young.  It is not about age, it is the ability to recognise the importance of all in our political reality. I offer youth and dynamism with a respect for the wisdom of age and maturity recognising that there is a symbiotic relationship between these two extremes that require careful merging for development and continuity.   I offer respect for the people, and a promise for consultative processes. I offer incisive leadership both in the party and in the nation where the masses need a champion for their many causes and the creation of balance in our society.  I offer good governance within the party. Those are all issues of decision making of which age is among the least significant factor.
• The Party old guard
• The party like all other domestic and international parties is as much about the past, the present and the future. The past would have built the foundation that we are now privileged to be standing on.  The old guards form an integral part of our party history and growth. We can and will continue to learn from their wisdom, experiences and their mistakes. I see scope for the old guard the current guard and all guards to function for the common good of the party and the nation. The party has a decision-making machinery. When that decision- making machinery works all are involved, the old guard, the new guard and any potential guard.  I would like to play a role to optimise the working of that decision- making machinery and strive to ensure a party driven not by personalities but by its constitution, principles and policies.
• No-confidence vote against the government
• It should be swiftly and decisively!  After so many years of poor governance, what more chances do they need?  Tough decisions have got to be made.
• The PNC in APNU
• The party membership will have to determine this but I would like to see a scenario where this relationship is under constant review because APNU is a partnership and the continuation  of the partnership rests in its ability to achieve the goals and objectives that led to its formation. The PNC as the leading partner has a responsibility to ensure that its interests are served not to the detriment of the minority but consistent with the needs of the party and the people.
• Racial polarisation. 
• Race is a fact of life that speaks to our diversity. When race is used in a polarising way as is happening in Guyana to divide and rule, to marginalise then it should be addressed frontally.  Racial polarisation affects everyone and everyone must be prepared to confront it wherever it exists, whether it is in the church, Masjid, Temple, school, political parties, or businesses.  Laws alone will not change it; it requires education and increasing sensitivities to build trust, tolerance and understanding of each other. We cannot survive and develop in a country where one set of people, or where any set of people are oppressed based on racial and ethnic differences.
• Working with the PPP and the parliamentary majority
• The people have given the opposition the majority in parliament and this majority must be used to put pressure on the government to manage the affairs of government in the interest of all the nations’ people. It will be used to galvanise local and international support for respect for the Constitution and the will of the people.  Power when gained must be used effectively. We are yet to see this applied consistently with the one seat majority.

It is the people who would have recognized my ability and they who have placed me on the nomination list for various positions and I will be discussing the positions advanced with them to confirm the position(s) that will pursued.