@Django posted:

June 4,2022

Source

The incumbent Khemraj Ramjattan and David Patterson have both received nominations to be leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) at the party’s upcoming National Conference.

Ahead of the conference, which will be held next Saturday, the AFC yesterday announced that both men were the only nominees for the post of party leader. Each of them was nominated by eight groups.

Perhaps, Ramjattan is mumbling .... "dem naamenayte meh yet again fuh sleep as usual." 

@Django posted:

June 4,2022

Source

Ramjattan has held the leadership on several occasions, rotating it with party co-founder Raphael Trotman. Trotman last week announced that he would not be accepting nominations as he does not plan to contest for any position at the conference. He said he believes the party needs new vigour and he also needs to focus on his health.

“I’m not planning on contesting for any positions. I attempted in 2019 not to run for any office, but was persuaded to stay on. This time my resolve is firmer to see my decision through. I believe the party needs refreshing and rejuvenating and even renewal, and having said so, I think I need to stand aside and act as a mentor. Additionally, I have my own medical recovery that I need to focus on,” he told this newspaper.

Interesting views by Trotman on ... "the party needs refreshing and rejuvenating and even renewal,"

Ramjattan, Patterson set to square off for AFC’s leadership

…as newcomer, Juretha Fernandes leads nominations list

Jun 05, 2022 News -- Source -- Kaieteur News Online -- https://www.kaieteurnewsonline...for-afcs-leadership/

Kaieteur News – Long time political stalwart and current leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) has been nominated again by eight of the party’s groups to take back the reins of the opposition—which has for itself seats in the National Assembly as part of the coalition.Ramjattan will be vying for leadership once again but would have to beat off incumbent General Secretary of the Party, David Patterson.

Patterson holds the portfolio of shadow Natural Resources Minister in the A Partnership for National Unity, AFC (APNU+AFC) coalition.

David Patterson

Patterson—according to a party missive announcing the nominations—has not been nominated to vie for the post of General Secretary again.

Incumbent AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan

Political newcomer, Juretha Fernandes, who currently serves in the opposition’s shadow spokesperson on Finances, has been featured prominently in the nominations line-up.

She was nominated as a candidate to vie for the positions of Chairperson for the part, Vice Chair, and General Secretary.

The other nominations for the position of Chairperson include Ramjattan, Sherod Duncan and former Minister, Catherine Hughes – Hughes has also been nominated for the post of Vice Chair. The others getting the tip for that post include, Ricky Ramsaroop, Devin Sears, Duncan and Valerie Garrido-Lowe.

Newcomer, Juretha Fernandes leads the party’s nominations list

In addition to Fernandes’ nomination for the post of General Secretary, Ramjattan, Duncan, Hughes, Ramsaroop, Neilson McKenzie and Michael Carrington have all been nominated to hold this post.According to the party’s announcement on Friday, in addition to the key Executive positions 55 members would be vying to be seated on the 12-member, National Executive Committee (NEC).

The AFC’s National Assembly is scheduled to take place at the end of the week on Saturday.

It is the expectation that the activity will see 285 delegates representing the 10 regions in Guyana, the USA, Canada, UK, the Caribbean, the Women for Change (WFC) and the Youth For Change (YFC) in attendance and participating. Fifty observers will also attend.

The AFC was first formed in 2005 by stalwarts that had parted ways with the two dominated political parties in Guyana, namely the People’s Progressive Party Civic and the People’s National Congress Reform.
Ramjattan, Patterson, Raphael Trotman and Sheila Holder were among some of the more key figures emerging in what became known as the ‘Third Force’.

While the party did manage to succeed at securing seats in successive elections, it was not until it coalesced with the APNU on Valentine Day of 2015 to successfully oust the PPP/C government securing a one-seat victory in that year’s General and Regional Elections.

The PPP/C subsequently retained power in 2020 returning the party and its members to the opposition benches.

With the party’s D-Day scheduled for Saturday, uncorroborated reports have since surfaced that the party is expected to review its role in the coalition and will likely vote on a decision at the meeting to pull out.

AFC holds “consequential” National Conference today

AFC's incumbent Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and incumbent General Secretary David Patterson

The Alliance For Change (AFC), the minority party in the coalition Opposition, could potentially see a change in its leadership later today as its holds a “consequential” National Conference.

In a statement on Friday, the party said it is ready for the one-day conference, which will see its General Secretary David Patterson challenging incumbent AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan for the position.

Both Ramjattan and Patterson were nominated by eight groups each. Ramjattan, who is a founding member of the party, had previously served stints as AFC Leader and Chairman. He was re-elected as AFC Leader at the party’s last conference in 2019.

Other positions being contested include the party’s Chairman post, for which Ramjattan along with Catherine Hughes, Sherod Duncan and Juretha Fernandes were nominated.
Hughes, Fernandes and Duncan along with Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Ricky Ramsaroop and Devin Sears are vying for the Vice Chair spot.

The party will have a new General Secretary and the nominations for that position include Ramjattan, Hughes, Fernandes, Duncan and Ramsaroop as well as Neilson McKenzie and Michael Carrington.

Additionally, more than 50 members have also been nominated and are contesting to sit on the 12-person AFC governing council – the National Executive Committee.

The party said in its Friday missive that “We once again take great pride in our party’s commitment to a transparent, free and fair election process. The fact that a long and strong list of candidates has been nominated and are vying for leadership positions in the party is a very positive sign.”

“As we are all aware, it is not uncommon that political elections of this nature may sometimes engender bitter divisiveness and rancour. The AFC is most fortunate and proud to boast that even though our campaigns are being waged with fierce competitiveness, these have been conducted in a dignified, respectful and professional manner consistent with the party’s grounding principles and standards as a liberal democracy. To this end, each of the competitors for the leadership positions has pledged their unequivocal commitment to support the eventual winners and the party.”

The Conference starts at 10:00h and the formal agenda includes, the Leader’s report, the General Secretary’s report, a discussion on the way forward document, motions and election of office bearers 2022-2024. Voting commences at 14:00h.

It was noted that the process and agenda in place were fully endorsed by all of the 285 delegates and 50 observers slated to be in attendance in six locations across Guyana and two overseas.

These delegates represent groups across the 10 regions of Guyana, the Youth For Change (YFC), the Women For Change (WFC) and AFC groups in the Diaspora including the USA, Canada, UK and the Caribbean.

“We are ready to go! The enthusiasm and excitement are at fever pitch in the Alliance For Change as we approach what may arguably be our great party’s most consequential National Conference…,” the party said.

Patterson, who has been a member of the AFC since its formation in 2005, had expressed his honour at being nominated for the leadership post, telling this publication last weekend that he has several plans to implement if elected.

Among these plans, he explained, are how to improve the AFC’s representation and strengthen its party structures.

In fact, Patterson said one of the main issues the party needs to address is its physical outreaches across the country, noting that these were affected as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Asked if there is any particular weakness within the party he would like to address as leader, Patterson said the AFC has “acknowledged” that it is in the Opposition and therefore, would work on not only improving its role as an opposition force but also on regaining power.

There have been rumours that at its upcoming NEC, the AFC will discuss the possibility of parting ways with its coalition partner, the PNC-led APNU, which it had joined forces with in 2015 to win that year’s national election.

Asked to comment on this, Patterson had indicated that at the NEC, all members will give their input on the party’s way forward and “…how best they see the AFC in the next two years”.

He added that this is not limited to the party’s relationship within the coalition but other issues such as more youth memberships and policy areas.

“I’m sure that discussions will come up, how to lend our support in strengthening coalition politics because we are in a coalition…[but] it’s not a question of simply concentrating on coalition,” Patterson explained.

Moreover, this publication also spoke to two of the younger members of the party who are up for executive positions. Fernandes, who also serves as a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), said “I’m very thankful for the confidence that persons have put forward in me by the nominations, very humbling to say the least. A lot of work to be done, as we move into the National Conference. But more importantly, a lot of work to be done moving forward. So, we’re going to put our best foot forward to make sure the AFC comes out of it altogether strong.”

Sears, another young member, noted that while he is honoured by his nomination as Vice Chair of the party, his eyes are also set on being elected to the executive committee. This, he noted, is something he and his team are working towards.

“As it is right now, I’m interested in being a National Executive member. That’s what I’m interested in at this time… I have a team that is working, reaching out to all the delegates and chapters,” Sears had explained.

@Former Member posted:

AFC holds “consequential” National Conference today

June 11, 2022 -- Source -- https://www.inewsguyana.com/af...al-conference-today/

AFC's incumbent Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and incumbent General Secretary David Patterson

Perhaps, Ramjattan and Patterson in the boxing match for Leader of the AFC. 

=vs=

Granger son in law looks like an honest person he should have been in the running for leader.

Ramjattan returns as AFC Leader, Cathy Hughes is new Chair; party votes to remain in Coalition

Khemraj Ramjattan reelected AFC Leader while Cathy Hughes is the party's new Chair

The Alliance For Change, which held its National Executive Conference today, has reelected Khemraj Ramjattan as leader of the party, while also voting executive member Cathy Hughes in as Chairperson.

Ramjattan had been challenged by former AFC General Secretary David Patterson for the leadership. However, Patterson did not contest for any other executive position. This means that Patterson will not hold any executive position in the party, outside of the National Executive Committee – the party’s highest decision-making body.

Meanwhile, Hughes won the chairmanship post, beating three other nominees – Ramjattan, Sherod Duncan and Juretha Fernandes. Hughes previously served as Vice-Chairperson of the AFC.

Additionally, Duncan was voted as the party’s new General Secretary. Other nominees for that position were Ramjattan, Hughes, Fernandes, Neilson McKenzie, Michael Carrington, and Ricky Ramsaroop.

The AFC also elected Ramsaroop as its new Vice-Chair, locking out Devin Sears as well as Hughes, Fernandes and Duncan who were also nominated.

Also, put to vote at today’s conference was whether the AFC would remain in the Coalition with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

This publication understands that the AFC voted overwhelmingly to stay in a revised coalition or parliamentary cooperation.

On Friday, the AFC in a statement said that today’s conference is the party’s “most consequential” one yet.

The conference saw the participation of 285 Delegates and 50 observers at six locations in Guyana and two overseas.

These delegates represent groups across the ten regions of Guyana, the Youth For Change (YFC), the Women For Change (WFC) and AFC groups in the Diaspora including the USA, Canada, UK and the Caribbean.

Khemraj Ramjattan will express a few words .... then go back to sleep, as usual. 

=

APNU happy AFC opts to stay in coalition

PNC Leader Aubrey Norton and AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

The Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR) led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is pleased with the Alliance For Change’s (AFC) decision to stay within the coalition until the expiry of the Cummingsburg Accord later this year.

“APNU lauds the decision of the delegates at yesterday’s National Conference to recommit to the APNU+AFC coalition ideal,” the Aubrey Norton-led party expressed in a statement on Sunday.

It added that the AFC’s decision to remain in the coalition will “add impetus” to the parties’ “joint efforts” to win the next national election.

The AFC on Saturday held its National Executive Conference (NEC) where its members, after much debate, voted to stick with the APNU despite several concerns.

A total of 285 delegates and 50 observers were in attendance in six locations across Guyana and two overseas for the conference. One of the first matters on the agenda was whether the AFC should remain in the coalition.

The issue was discussed under the party’s “Way Forward” document which was put to vote, with the AFC eventually deciding to stay in a revised coalition or parliamentary cooperation.

It was discussed whether the AFC can “stay in a revised political alliance with APNU, whether coalition or a parliamentary cooperation agreement but the AFC must demand and secure a firm agreement and structure for it to have a greater influence on policy positions and political action within the alliance while maintaining its independence and rebranding and regaining its identity. This option will require political maturity and pragmatism on the part of APNU, which may not be forthcoming”.

It was noted that in keeping with the vote, AFC will remain in an alliance with APNU until the expiration of the Cummingsburg Accord in December 2022, when it will be reviewed.

The AFC had joined hands with the APNU to contest the 2015 General and Regional Elections and the coalition subsequently won. The parties signed the Cummingsburg Accord, which outlined the parliamentary seats and ministerial portfolios for AFC and APNU members, respectively.

However, APNU, led by former President David Granger, had been accused of continuously violating the Accord. The party announced in 2020 that it would be reviewing the Accord.

On December 24, 2019, after much back and forth between APNU and the AFC, a revised Cummingsburg Accord was signed, but the full details were never released to the public.

Collaboration

Meanwhile, the APNU has also expressed congratulations to the newly-elected members of the AFC’s hierarchy, noting that it is looking forward to continued collaboration between the two sides.

AFC’s Leader Khemraj Ramjattan was re-elected to that position, winning against his only contender for the post, David Patterson who previously served as General Secretary.

His position has now been taken over by Sherod Duncan while the party’s Vice Chairpersonship went to Cathy Hughes.

“We specially wish to congratulate Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan for retaining his position as Party Leader. Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Aubrey C. Norton, has already called Mr Ramjattan to offer his personal congratulations,” APNU noted in its statement.

“Our compliments also extend to Cathy Hughes (as the newly-elected Chair), to ‘Ricky’ Ramsaroop (as the newly-elected Vice-Chair), to Sherod Duncan (as the newly-elected General Secretary), and to the AFC’s entire new National Executive Council. APNU looks forward to collaborating with Leader Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan and the party’s entire new executive in a spirit of cooperation, consensus, and mutual respect,” APNU added.

Fallout

One of the most recent fallouts between the APNU and the AFC dates back to September 2020 regarding the election of the Chair and Vice Chair for the Region Four Regional Democratic Council (RDC) whereby the AFC was snubbed for the position of Vice Chair despite a previous agreement between the two sides.

The move had resulted in Patterson resigning as General Secretary of the party but he had subsequently flipflopped on that position.

“The Alliance For Change behaved honourably and with integrity and would have upheld the Accord and Addendum. The party also noted the responses offered by the Leader of APNU as to the reasons why the similar provision was not upheld by APNU,” the AFC said in its statement…The NEC was of the strong view, that a fundamental breach of the Accord was committed, as such a committee has been established to provide guidance and recommendations to the party on the continued effectiveness of the Accord as well as a review of the mechanisms to effect any future agreements,” the AFC had said in a statement in October 2020, following a meeting with the APNU on the matter.

Since it came into office after joining forces with the APNU in 2015, the minority AFC has been criticised for the submissive role it has been playing to the APNU. Decisions the former government made, such as the closure of sugar estates, which put thousands of sugar workers out of jobs, were passed unchallenged and even supported by the AFC. This is despite the AFC retaining the Agriculture Ministry.

This passive relationship with APNU was cited by former AFC parliamentarian Charrandass Persaud, as one of the reasons he voted for the No-Confidence Motion that brought down the APNU/AFC Government in 2018.

In addition, there has been the former government’s strategic reallocation of responsibilities away from Ministries that were headed by AFC officials, to other Ministries. This has included removing oil and gas from the former Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and citizenship from the former Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan.

There is also the fact that despite the Cummingsburg Accord containing stipulations that should have seen the former Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo being vested with the responsibility for chairing Cabinet and domestic issues, the former APNU Government never honoured this.

It would be silly for AFC to stay after whatever little trust they may have had in APNU was broken.

They should haul ass outta there and perhaps the other smaller parties do the same, form their own party as a group..they must also remove all old goats who carry around excessive baggage.

@cain posted:

It would be silly for AFC to stay after whatever little trust they may have had in APNU was broken.

They should haul ass outta there and perhaps the other smaller parties do the same, form their own party as a group..they must also remove all old goats who carry around excessive baggage.

Had they not stayed in the pact, they would not have secured that many seats.