President David Granger on Friday, November 24, 2017, shut down his coalition partner’s request for a review of the Cummingsburg Accord before their third anniversary on February 14, 2018.
The Alliance For Change (AFC), in a recent press statement, said its leadership will write the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) for the review which “must be completed by the third anniversary of the signing of the Accord.”
However, President Granger, who is also the leader of the largest party in the coalition, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), told media operatives on the sidelines of an event at State House that the review can only be done after the third anniversary of the union.
“The Cummingsburg Accord has a, unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, a requirement to review the Accord after three years and that three years will expire after midnight on February 13, 2018,” the President said.
The AFC and the APNU formed a coalition in the lead up to the 2015 national elections.
Together, they defeated the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) which had been governing for 23 years. The Cummingsburg Accord outlines how both parties will operate in the shared governance structure.
However, after more than two years in government, there have been concerns that the AFC did not get exactly what it bargained for. In fact, the AFC Canadian Chapter has withdrawn its support from the Party for several reasons including this.
Meanwhile, when asked about his thoughts on the contents of the leaked emails of his coalition partner, President Granger said he will not be commenting on internal affairs of the AFC.
Granger said he is confident that the Leader of the AFC, Raphael Trotman would be able to deal with issues in his Party. The leaked emails show that some of the AFC members were in disagreement with the appointment of Justice James Patterson as the GECOM Chairman.
It also revealed that the AFC was opposed the appointment of Dr Barton Scotland as the Speaker of the National Assembly.
