Georgetown : The first session on the second day of the Congress was chaired by Central Executive member, Ms. Lurlene Nestor, where the delegates considered the report of the General Secretary on the work of the Party since the last Biennial Congress and where there were extensive discussions and debate on the Party Chairman’s address, the Party Leader’s address and the General Secretary’s report in the plenary session which followed.
In his report, the General Secretary of the Party, Mr. Oscar Clarke commenced the session by paying tribute to the memory of stalwarts and friends of the PNCR who have passed on since the Party’s last Congress in August 2009.
Mr. Clarke went on to give a review of the state of the Party regarding the decision made by the Leader not to be the Party’s Presidential Candidate for the 2011 General and Regional Elections, the Party’s process in identifying a Presidential Candidate and the run up to the Elections. He also dealt with the Party’s membership, Party Groups and other Party organs in regards to their functioning role in the Party and delegate status at this Congress. Mention was also made of the North American Region (NAR) of the PNCR 3rd Conference which was held recently in New York and the election of their new leadership team.
The General Secretary also emphasised on the major activities during the review period such as the local government reform elections; the continuous registration by GECOM following the last General and Regional Election, the involvement of the Party in the Emancipation activities by ACDA for the “International Year for the People of African Descent” last year, the Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) and the Sophia Literacy Project, and developments at the Party’s Secretariat. Mr. Clarke concluded his report by offering his gratitude and thanks to all the members of staff for their willing support over the years despite the Party’s inability to offer adequate financial rewards.
The second session of the Congress was chaired by Mr. Ganesh Mahipaul. This session considered and debated several Motions and Questions under the chairmanship of Mr. Basil Williams, M.P.
During the plenary session Delegates and Observers discussed the Leader’s Address and the General Secretary’s Report. The discussion called for unity within the ranks of the Party. Delegates and Observers emphasised the fact that the PNCR is a great Party and must, therefore, maintain its identity. They were reminded that APNU is not a political party but an organisation of political parties. Older Comrades were encouraged to give support to the younger people. The Leadership of the Party was encouraged to give real leadership and not get involved in negative slander.
