AFC resignations: Granger believes it is a “forward looking development”, Says no attack on AFC

By Kurt Campbell

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Opposition Leader David Granger has described the recent defecting of three Alliance for Change (AFC) members, [Tarron Khemraj, Rab Mukraj and Asquith Rose] to A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) as a “forward looking development.”

Granger, who was speaking during APNU’s weekly press briefing made it clear that the move was not an attack on the AFC but rather an enhancement of APNU’s program.

He explained that while the party remains open to likeminded persons from civil society and other organization who may want to come on board, it is not on a “hunting party.”

“It is all about national unity, it is all about human development, it is not about who is leaving but where we are going, and that is making Guyana a better place and providing a good life for Guyanese” the Opposition Leader explained.

He said the APNU as a body welcomes the joint approach even as it remains committed to national unity and persevering with its agenda to build same and advance human development.

Granger told reporters, “Tarron Khemraj and Asquith Rose are serious academics ….who have shown that they have the interest of Guyana at heart, Rab Mukraj is a businessman who is also interested in Guyana’s development” adding that “ the APNU believes in inclusive democracy and is the only party that has five partners in the national assembly and have embraced inclusion democracy and shared governance.”

AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan had expressed disappointment at the move by the three members which followed the resignation of Dr Shamir Ally, saying that while he was unaware of discontent in his party’s New York Chapter.

Despite this, the Party’s Chairman, Nigel Hughes said that the detractors list continues to grow.

 

In its first public statement since the resignations of at least four of its members, the AFC Chairman said, “Despite a growing list of detractors, we have, with the help of you, our supporters, overcome great odds to create history in the Caribbean. The AFC remains cohesive and committed to the struggle for a better Guyana.”

AFC in its statement noted, “Significant gains have been made both in the National Assembly and in the hearts and minds of Guyanese. While there have been some expected vocal criticisms from some political corners, all across Guyana the people have recognized and commended the AFC for standing on the side of principle and in the best interest of all Guyanese. The AFC stands for a Guyana which is just, fair and offers everyone an equal opportunity to participate equally in a nation’s development.”