Hours before its biennial delegates conference is to convene, the PNCR was still grappling with complaints over membership cards for Region 10 delegates and integrity issues.

Member of the Central Executive of the party, Sharma Solomon last night dispatched a letter to party leader David Granger setting out his concerns and seeking an urgent meeting.

Solomon, who is also contesting for leadership of the PNCR said “Mr. Granger this party in presently under your leadership and we cannot afford to project an image the party does not practise transparency, accountability and is incapable of running a credible election, and leaders are foisted on the people and not elected by people. It is with disappointment that the Central Executive meeting that was scheduled for last night was cancelled. This meeting would have been critical for the party leadership to discuss the congress and evaluate the plans thus far. As a matter of urgency the request made to have the Accreditation Committee meet before the start of congress to address these outstanding matters would (be) most welcomed. I am ready and prepared to go the extra mile to ensure the integrity and interest of the party is protected and looking forward to a fruitful congress consistent with the Party Rules.”

Solomon’s letter follows:

Dear Mr. Granger, fellow members of the Central Executive Committee,

It is with much concern this letter is sent to all in the hope that together we can work to make the 18thBiennial Congress one that lives up to the interest and integrity of the People’s National Congress Reform. This year’s party congress is being held under the theme “PNCR For National Unity, Good Governance and Development.”

At the party level there is no better way for us to demonstrate our ability to secure the reins of government, ensure good governance, unite the people and work for national development by conducting a congress in like manner.

I have had cause to engage the General Secretary, through letters and direct conversations to address serious concerns I have with the violation of the Party Constitution and the manner in which preparation for which the congress is being conducted. Some of these issues remain outstanding. These are some of my concerns:

1.    Region 10 delegates are still to be duly accredited and members still await their membership card. According to Rule 8. (4)  “Possession of a valid and current Membership Card shall be prima facie proof of membership of the party.”

2.     I am in receipt of a letter dated 14th July, 2014 advising me that “only persons with both 2012/13 and 2013/14 membership would be eligible delegates at the upcoming 18th Biennial Congress.” This advice is contrary to Rule 15 (2)    (a) Each Group shall be entitled to send to Congress one(1) delegate for each ten(10) financial members.”

3.    Region 10 has 11 groups (verified by the General Secretary in our submission of Minutes of the Meetings for these groups) and over nine hundred and fifty 950 members.

4.    Guided by Rule 15 (2) the region is should be allotted no less than ninety six (96) delegates.

5.    Congress Place informed me Region 10 has four additional groups. As a leader in this region I am unaware of these groups, their members and leaders and would like to be provided with the information.

6.    Ms. Sandra Adams was initially given delegate status in Region 10 though she is not a member of any party group. I thank the General Secretary for having this oversight corrected.

7.    I have been nominated for Leader, Chairman, Vice Chairman and Committee member, but the letter dated 11th July I received did not include Vice Chairman. This was drawn to the attention of the General Secretary on 21st July, 2014 and I am surprise in the party’s press conference on the  22nd July, 2014 my nomination for Vice Chairman was not mentioned.

8.    As a member of the Accreditation Committee, the work of this committee leaves much to be desired and opportunity to establish the credibility of the membership roll and entitled delegates were not honoured, given that the committee has not met despite several efforts by committee members.

9.    The logistics in running the elections, along with members have their membership cards are key to ensuring the integrity of the process.

I do applaud the efforts of everyone in working to make this congress a success and going above and beyond their duties. As members of this party and in the leadership level it cannot be said at the conclusion of congress that the standards we call on Central Government to uphold, that we as party cannot do so. As such I appreciate the meeting between yourself and Mr. Gonsalves today. I hope matters outstanding can be resolved.

However, I would like to suggest an urgent meeting with the Accreditation Committee to be convened before congress to iron out these kinks and make congress one that enhances the party based on our ability to respect the Party’s constitution.

Mr. Granger this party in presently under your leadership and we cannot afford to project an image the party does not practice transparency, accountability and is incapable of running a credible election, and leaders are foisted on the people and not elected by people. It is with disappointment that the Central Executive meeting that was scheduled for last night was cancelled. This meeting would have been critical for the party leadership to discuss the congress and evaluate the plans thus far. As a matter of urgency the request made to have the Accreditation Committee meet before the start of congress to address these outstanding matters would most welcomed. I am ready and prepared to go the extra mile to ensure the integrity and interest of the party is protected and looking forward to a fruitful congress consistent with the Party Rules.

Sincerely

Sharma Solomon

Member

CEC