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- Mr. Vincent Alexander, MP
- Chairman (ag) of the People's
National Congress Reform
Mr.
Corbin, Leader of the People's National Congress Reform and Mrs. Corbin,
fellow members of the Central Executive. Invitees. Delegates and
Observers. It is with a sincere feeling of privilege and honour that I bid
you welcome to this our 14th Biennial Congress.
To
our delegates from the Guyanese Diaspora, I salute you far your
demonstration of commitment to your country and Party. Your Party
considers your involvement in the affairs of your motherland as an
essential pillar in the reconstruction of Guyana and the realization of
its untapped potential, of which you are an integral part and from which
you derived your being.
Special
mention must be made of our local delegates and observers for their
continued belief in their Party. Your presence here today, and over the next two days, is
evidence of your resolve to continue the struggle far the ideals which you
and your Party uphold. Even in the face of the threat of various forms of
reprisals for having the courage to identify openly
with your Party, you have stayed the course. This signifies your belief
in., and commitment to the inevitable change for the better under
the leadership of your Party,
the People's National Congress Reform.
Accolades
must be showered on our hinterland comrades,, who in the face of many
adversaries, including the rigours of traversing harsh terrain for
prolonged periods, have persevered and endured to be here with us today.
You are undoubtedly, at much cost to yourselves, demonstrating a
preference for a Guyana under the leadership of the PNCR. You do deserve a
resounding round of applause. I ask our comrades from Regions 1, 7, 8, 9
and the remote parts of 2, 3, 6 and 10 to stand and be recognized.
To
our invitees,, we extend a special welcome. We note your continued
interest in what the PNCR has to offer Guyana. We salute you for being
bold in exercising your freedom of association in the face of a vindictive
regime. We assure you that the days for such fears are numbered and that
the PNCR will defend and uphold the freedom of association, and of
conscience and indeed all freedom, s that are universally
acceptable.
To
the diplomats, we are appreciative of your availing yourselves of another
opportunity to hear
and see
what the PNCR stands for. Hopefully, there will be no Sorensen type
reprisal for your presence here.
This
14th Biennial Congress is of tremendous significance to our
Party and to the nations at large. Guyana is at the crossroads. The
outcome and resolve of this Congress will determine whether the downward
trend continues or whether we experience the reversal which all Guyanese
would benefit from, though some are in denial. The PNCR has in the past
demonstrated its ability to find solutions to Guyana's problems. Its
capacity has however been under-minded by the fractious nature of our
society; the anachronistic political culture which pervades our society;
and the fragility of our economy which has been like an albatross over the
years. That change in all of these spheres is essential can hardly be
disputed.
It
is in this context that the PNCR has arrived at its Congress Theme and the
resolve which inheres in it. Firstly, we must build a just society as the
basis for attaining and maintaining peace, thus creating an environment
conducive to Cohesion. Secondly, with National Cohesion, we would be
better able to make maximum use of our human, material and spiritual
resources, which in itself can establish the foundation for reconstruction
in every facet of national life.
This
Congress is therefore challenged to build a framework or the foundation
for the attainment of Peace, National Cohesion and Reconstruction.
In
so doing, the Party has to demonstrate by its percepts and practices that
it embraces and fosters Peace, Cohesion and
Reconstruction.
In
that regard, mutual respect for one another, tolerance, inclusivity,
meritocracy, selflessness, hard work, accountability, honesty, constant
introspection and commitment to country, based on a common vision will
have to be the essentials of the new national ethos. The Party would have
to be integral to the creation of that ethos.
It is also self evident that such an ethos cannot be imposed by any
one Party. It has got to be articulated through national consensus and
achieved through collective implementation.
This
Congress is about how the PNCR positions itself to give leadership to this
process? and mobilizes the nation to be owners of the process. It begs two
questions, what do we do internally to transform the Party into the
nucleus of such a process? And how does the Party reach out to totality of
the cells of the nation in an effort
to infect
the nation?
Internally,
we must be a united team focused, committed and equipped to achieve our
ideals. Externally, we must be recognized, influential and accepted for
what we are worth.
In
repeating my welcome to all of you, 1 reiterate that this Congress is not
merely a traditional occasion,, ritual or celebration. It is another stage
of a work-in-progress, as the PNCR responds to the challenges which
presently face our nation. This Congress must therefore have frank,
intense, focused and meaningful discussions that will leave re-enforce
our resolve to do the job. Concomitantly,
we must elect a leadership team that is committed to the task and endowed
with the skills to get the task done.
I
close with the poem entitled: Dedicated to Youth by a little known
Guyanese poet, Ivan Forrester who bestrode the PNC and was adjudged a Poet
by the late; Martin Garter:
- A moment past will not return
- The dead year has no resurrection
- But the ghost of night will haunt
- The memory of the wasted day
- Then regrets and remorse must fail
- To
fill the empty coffers of the wastrel
- To
be master of your moment
- And
there can be no sorry past
- For
the efforts of your present
- Must
be a catalyst to a bright future
I thank you
- People’s
National Congress Reform
- Congress
Place, Sophia,
- Georgetown,
Guyana
- Friday,
August 27, 2004