PPP running from public scrutiny, debates – APNU+AFC Ramjattan

By Sunita Samaroo The continued *****footing by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to engage in electioneering

APNU+AFC Executive, Khemraj Ramjattan

debates as well as a public forum organised by civil society is being viewed by A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) as a tactic employed to avoid public scrutiny. Hot on their campaign trails, the two main political parties for weeks were engaged in talks of two public engagements: Presidential and Prime Ministerial debates to be organised by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) as well as public fora organised by the Guyana Women’s Roundtable (GWR) and Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC). Despite offering his assurance weeks ago that his party is willing to have its Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates stand on a public platform and debate those representing APNU+AFC, President Donald Ramotar is yet to make good on his promise. The coalition has insisted that it would not participate in any debate unless it comes as a package deal involving both Presidential and Prime Ministerial debates and Ramotar accepted the challenge. He conveyed a message to the effect that the PPP/C Prime Ministerial candidate Elisabeth Harper is pumped and ready to debate Nagamootoo. The President had, in fact, boasted, “Nagamootoo is no match for Harper, I am sure Harper can account for herself.” A ‘change of heart’ seemingly followed as the PPP later officially communicated last week that the “handlers” of Harper have decided against such a move. The debates have not been the only source of contention. A forum arranged to facilitate public interaction between Ramotar, his Prime Ministerial running

PPP Presidential Candidate, Donald Ramotar

mate and members of the public was postponed after the party cited “air conditioning” and “space” constraints. This came two days after APNU+AFC Presidential candidate, Brigadier David Granger (Ret’d) and party executive, Catherine Hughes would have already made good on their promise and faced the public for a two-hour interactive session last Monday. Their counterparts were expected to face the public in like fashion but when the PPP/C’s turn came, an excuse was sent ahead of their scheduled appearance. “Space” and air-conditioning” had become the problem but both the organizers of the public forum and Hughes have rubbished claims that either element was an issue. Moreover, when contacted yesterday PPP’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee told Kaieteur News that when his party makes a decision with respect to participation, they will let the sponsors of the event know. These “turn of events” have led Vice Presidential Candidate of APNU+AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan to conclude that the incumbent PPP/C is running from the public. In fact, the longstanding politician is convinced that the ruling party is “scared to death” and has been using excuses to avoid public scrutiny. The APNU+AFC Executive Member told Kaieteur News that the excuses put forth by the PPP/C for avoiding these public engagements is simply the tactic the party employed to avoid exhibiting the low quality of the politics they are offering.

APNU+AFC Presidential Candidate, David Granger

“They would not be able to answer certain questions coming from an open floor,” opined the former Presidential Candidate of the Alliance for Change (AFC). “They want to avoid questions because they would not have credible answers for what may be coming from an audience. They want to avoid and evade the people – that’s what they’re doing…I could conceive no other reason but that they are running away,” he added. The APNU+AFC politician is of the belief that the PPP/C Leaders will only participate in “propaganda” and would at all times avoid fora that weigh in on accountability. According to Ramjattan, it is clear that the PPP/C Presidential and Prime Ministerial hopefuls do not compare to those from the APNU+AFC camp. He is certain that should the parties appear on any forum together, his party will trump the PPP/C. Ramjattan said, “Every politician in a democracy certainly must allow him or herself to be examined…but they don’t want to be examined, they don’t want to be scrutinized. Everything that they say, the public will see through. They are scared to death and I understand why: they are going to lose; this is why they are jumping like a kangaroo,” the politician emphasised. “The Important thing in all of this for the PPP is to not exhibit the substandard quality of politicians they have. I am certain that Moses is going to annihilate Harper and I am certain that Granger will destroy Donald

PPP Prime Ministerial Candidate, Elisabeth Harper

Ramotar…by their (PPP/C Candidates) own demeanor and answers, they are going to self-destruct,” Ramjattan affirmed. Additionally, GWR Founder, Dr. Dawn Stewart yesterday said though she had received no word from the PPP, she remains hopeful that the public forum will be executed since it presents a great opportunity for leaders to address the public on relevant issues and policies. She said that persons have had a chance to view the first forum since it was not restricted. Asked about supporting bodies and their view on the delay, Dr. Stewart said, “Everyone is willing and waiting…as soon as they give us a date, we will make it happen.” “We’ve been receiving many phone calls and messages from the public asking when will the forum be rescheduled and we have promised that as soon as we get a date (from the PPP) we will inform the public.” “They promised that they’ll give a date. I want to stay optimistic – everyone says I shouldn’t – but I see this as a great opportunity for the leaders to address to talk to the public,” Dr. Stewart said.