By Kurt Campbell
[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Alliance for Change (AFC) has signaled its intent to engage the party’s Executive Member Charrandas Persaud to have him rescind his resignation.
The Attorney – at – law and Berbice campaigner whose resignation takes effect today, claimed that he was not given due credit for the works he has done for the AFC and believes the party has taken him for granted.
Speaking at the party’s weekly press briefing on Thursday September 26, AFC’s Treasurer Dominic Gaskin said the party is disappointed and is yet to discuss Persaud’s departure as a body.
“We are willing to speak with him and see if we can get him to reverse his decision… we value him,” Gaskin added.
Persaud surrender brings the toll of resignations from the AFC over the last two weeks to five. He has been a member of the AFC since July 2011.
In this regard AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan says the party is concerned with the growing list of departing members and its associated effects on the party.
He pointed out however, that some of the defecting resulted from calls for the party to join forces with other political parties.
“We will not shift our position and trajectory of independence from which this party was birthed… we stand on principle,” the AFC leader told reporters.
He said such a move will only lend to the party losing its identify and anyone opposed to such a position is welcomed to disassociate themselves.
“We respect them and will forever be grateful” he added.
Ramjattan said nonetheless the AFC remains open to engaging all political parties.
Only last week three members of the AFC’s New York Chapter – Tarron Khemraj, Rab Mukraj and Asquith Rose – tendered their resignations and joined A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).
It was subsequently revealed by Chairman of the AFC New York Chapter Dr.Rohan Somar that the three members wanted the AFC to join forces with APNU for the next general elections – a suggestion which was met with much resistance from other AFC members.
According Dr. Somar in a statement, the three defectors were also opposed to the AFC Parliamentarians voting in favor of the supporting Bills for the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project.
Meanwhile, a week prior to this episode the AFC had accepted the resignation of Dr. Shamir Andrew Ally, who was associated with the New York, AFC Chapter, following a bitter dispute.
