Nagamoottoo, Hughes ticket surprising:
September 8, 2014
THE proposed Moses Nagamootoo -Nigel Hughes ticket for the Alliance For Change (AFC) in the next general elections seems to be baffling not only to the general public, but even to supporters of the AFC.
I spoke to several of them in Berbice on Sunday and they were surprised at the statement made by the party’s leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, who hails from No. 47 Village on the Corentyne.
I note with concern that the movement was formed by former executive member of the PNC, Raphael Trotman and Ramjattan, who was a top brass and central executive member of the PPP/C. What is the reason why these two founders are no longer at the helm?
Nagamootoo who grew up with the PPP said time and time again that the party founder leader, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, had identified him to take over the party after his demise, but Jagan’s widow, Janet, thought otherwise and handpicked Bharrat Jagdeo, a young man who was not in the trenches like Moses, Navin Chandrapaul, and others.
From reports, the top brass of the AFC is considering whether to merge with APNU to oppose the PPP/C at the next general elections. They have to make a decision as soon as possible because this has to be done before elections. A large number of their supporters prefer them to join ranks with the governing PPP/C party, and a few intend to make representation to the party leadership in this regard.
A large number of persons in Region Six are dissatisfied with the AFC and there is an indication that the party will not secure as many votes as they did at the last general elections. The PPP/C will have to work hard to get the support of these voters because some of them have expressed the view that they will not exercise their franchise.
Some AFC supporters referred to Raphael Trotman, the first leader, who refused to make way for Ramjattan as agreed, and asked why should they follow a party where the leaders do not stick to principles. They also make comments about Nagamootoo who they said is a very hard worker, but feel he has “an axe to grind” against the PPP/C leadership.
The Nagamootoo-Hughes ticket has raised serious discussions in Berbice and no doubt the entire country and one wonders what is the next move of the third party.
by Oscar Ramjeet