An energetic, at times smiling, Volda Ann Lawrence, outgoing Chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) opened its 21st Biannual Delegates Congress today with stirring remarks.
“This Congress finds us at a critical crossroads of our Party’s future. Our Party has a glorious history inherited from the founder leader, the late great Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. His struggles and that of subsequent leaders of our Party continue to be relevant as we seek social justice, removal of all forms of inequity, eradication of all forms of prejudice and building a nation of proud and productive citizens,” The former Minister of Health began.
Lawrence beamed across social media to the hybrid Congress, “We are a bold Party and not afraid of challenges wherever they confront us. So bold are we, that this Congress is hybrid, decentralized, and open to all our delegates across the country and in the diaspora to vote for the candidates of their choice.”
More, In The Ring.
See full text of Volda Lawrence’s Remarks below
Comrades, this Congress finds us at critical crossroads of our Party’s future. Our Party has a glorious history inherited from the founder leader, the late great Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. His struggles and that of subsequent leaders of our Party continue to be relevant as we seek social justice, removal of all forms of inequity, eradication of all forms of prejudice and building a nation of proud and productive citizens.
The PNCR, as a member of a coalition Government, championed these ideals during its period in office and remains committed to them. Our great Party, after 64 years, must now take a new road, with new and renewed leadership as we pass the baton to the next generation of leaders.
This Party is no stranger to changes and continues to demonstrate its capacity to lead and remain relevant. We have always been, and will continue to be, an institution that is a refuge for the disadvantaged, the discriminated and the neglected. Our record shines clear as the best Party to lead this nation.
Comrades, the PNCR is strong and proud of its record. It has given birth to other political parties – like that of its own history- deepening the national democratic process while holding strong to its principles of inclusivity and representation of the voiceless. Our coalition partners were birthed out of political differences, and we respect them. Our togetherness resulted in our election to government in 2015, and an example of true to coalition politics.
We are a bold Party and not afraid of challenges wherever they confront us. So bold are we, that this Congress is hybrid, decentralized, and open to all our delegates across the country and in the diaspora to vote for the candidates of their choice.
Comrades, we even opened our nomination process to the entire country. That’s the mettle of the PNCR. That’s our great Party! Today, our Congress strikes a new path and contribution in deepening democracy, not only at the Party level, but also at the national level. I believe many will follow, as we lead.
My comrades, dialogue, discussion, debates, and differences are healthy for any political party. These actions allow for greater participation at all levels and confidence in our commitment to democratic processes, which we demonstrated ably while in government. And the evidence is right before us! Comrades, the large number of young persons vying for positions at this Congress demonstrates that our Party can rejuvenate itself, and is rejuvenating itself, which our democratic process has facilitated.
It is us, that the nation is looking towards, to bring about political change and return to government, it is to us that the international community is looking towards, to bring about political change in this great country of ours.
Finally, I am happy with my years of service and thank you, the membership, for your support. Unfortunately, I will not be contesting at these elections, but I remain committed to the People’s National Congress Reform. I am also excited at the renewed and heightened interest by our members in our Congress, and the Central Executive Committee of our great Party. There is no doubt that our Party is revitalized!
I wish all the candidates well, and trust that they recognize that, at the end of this democratic process, which concludes with their extensive campaigns, we the PNCR must harness all our energies towards returning to Government and continue the pursuit of a good life for all our people.
God bless the PNCR, and God bless the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
