Georgetown: Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence was declared chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) as President David Granger returned unopposed as leader of the party.
Lawrence, who competed against former chairman Basil Williams, SC and Minister of State Joseph Harmon, secured 346 votes, while Harmon and Williams secured 287 and 183 votes respectively. Williams served as the party’s chairman for three consecutive terms. Ronald Bulkan, Minister of Communities, was the lone nomination for treasurer, while the vice-chairman positions were won by junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton with 260 and 242 votes respectively.
Among those who vied for the vice-chairman posts were former general-secretary of the PNCR Aubrey Norton; Director of Sport, Christopher Jones; Thandi McAllister; Lawrence; Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira; Genevieve Allen; and Cosbert Robert.Aubrey Norton secured 236 votes, while Jones secured 226; Robert 16; Allen 11; Figueira 22; McAlister 84; and Volda Lawrence 244 votes, respectively. The votes for members of the Central Executive Committee will be counted today, said Returning Officer Hewley Griffith, who described his role as “rough at times”. He was assisted by a team which included attorneys Patrice Henry and Cassandra Alves.
In her acceptance speech, Lawrence pledged to ensure that there is unity within her party and across the country.
She thanked her party comrades who competed for the said position, noting that “we played a good relay”, adding that their competitiveness and support demonstrate what can be done collectively, not only for the party, but for the people of Guyana.
In thanking her supporters, Lawrence said, “Let us walk with purpose and dignity and show the Guyanese people that this is the party to be a member of.”
Lawrence had taken her campaign across the country to venues on the coastland, as well as several hinterland locations including Regions Eight, Nine and 10.
Lawrence is an accountant by profession. She has a degree in accounting from the University of Guyana and a master’s degree from Gloucester University, England and is a Certified Chartered Accountant (ACCA Level II).
Meanwhile, during his induction, the head-of-state said despite speculations that there was deep and intense rivalry, his party has demonstrated that there is democracy within.
“The party is 61 years old and it is a robust party; robust democracy,” President Granger said, noting that “The people understand what I need and want; I am very satisfied now that I have a female chairman and a female vice-chairman.”
He called on members to put their faith in the collective wisdom of the party’s membership, while pointing to the effective functioning of the party’s institutions, inclusive of the constitution, General Council, Central Executive Committee and members.
“This morning, the contest is over. The local government campaign starts,” Granger said, while adding that political office is not a glamorous affair.
“At the end of the day we are one party and our party is very important, not only to us but to the country. The persons who have been elected understand this duty. They have been long-standing members. And each elected member is a member of my Cabinet,” said the PNCR leader.
He noted that while those who contested may have been rivals in the campaign “they are colleagues and they will all be at Cabinet on Tuesday morning.”
He assured congress that the members of the PNCR are cognisant of who they are and are fully aware of what needs to be done.
President Granger made it clear that while oil is on the horizon, it is the efforts of people that will lead Guyana into an era of greater social equality and inclusionary democracy.
He said his leadership, which comprises the new electives will lead Guyana into an era where the leadership is prepared to meet with civil society.
You must be logged in to post a comment.