The newly-formed coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), says it is committed to ending the winner-take-all and one-party rule politics practised in Guyana, if elected into office at the upcoming general and regional elections slated for later this year.
The message was delivered to just under 1000 residents who attended a rally held by the group on Friday, July 22.
Presidential candidate of APNU, David Granger, opened his address with the announcement of the plan to “establish an inclusionary democracy, fulfilling our national constitution,” while relating the effects of winner-take-all politics.
He said that APNU is “a movement, not a party; we are bigger than a party”.
Granger called the levels of crime and poverty in the country unacceptable, and disclosed that APNU would be partnering with the public and private sectors in Guyana to curb this and to reduce the level of unemployment in the country. In closing, the presidential candidate told the gathering that “APNU is the voice of change”, and he invited the Linden community to “come on board” with the partnership.
Also speaking at the regional launch was Co-Chairman of the Working People’s Alliance, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, who spoke extensively on the partnership’s “mission of healing and reconciliation”. He went on to mention “APNU’s unique features”, one of which, he said, was the fact that it is the first open coalition in Guyana in 50 years, and he noted that “the doors are open and people can enter”.
Former finance minister Carl Greenidge said Guyana needed a revival as he pointed to the suicide statistics, claiming they were the seventh highest in the world. He encouraged the gathering to take a stand. “Each one needs to take that small step for change.” He spoke of the partnership’s economic programme, stating that jobs and training would be one of the partnership’s highest priorities. He added that education is critical for youth to get a bright future. According to Greenidge, the partnership will be moving to establish more human resource programmes for the youth; provide social infrastructure; improve housing, and provide a modern referral health system; and facilitate the agriculture and mining industries.
