AFC says pact with APNU does not prevent it from pushing its own thoughts and actions

The Alliance for Change (AFC) on Sunday said the Cummingsburg Accord – the pact it has with APNU- does not prevent it from asserting its independent views and actions.

“In so far as the partnership with the APNU is concerned, the Party recognises and accepts that the terms of the revised Cummingsburg Accord, which was designed to regulate the Parties’ conduct in Government, does not constrain or circumscribe it from pursuing a more independent path of thought and action,” the AFC stated Sunday.

But the statement failed to address the resignation of its General Secretary David Patterson over APNU’s failing to meet its end of the bargain in the appointment of a deputy chair of Region Four.

The AFC said since the change in government back in August, the leadership has held several meetings to discuss the way forward in this new dispensation as an Opposition Party.

“Having settled on its representation in the National Assembly and the Regional Democratic Councils, the leadership next focused attention on critical matters that have to be addressed during the period until the next National Conference scheduled for 2021,” the statement added.

The AFC and the APNU had fallout over the election of PNC’s Samuel Sandy to the post of Vice Chairman in Region Four although there was a prior agreement that the post would go to an AFC member.

In this regard, the AFC on Sunday reaffirmed the need for the Party to be a vibrant and independent voice and national actor, and recognised that a period of introspection, rebuilding and recalibrating, is needed in the immediate months ahead.

Nevertheless, the AFC recognises that even as it moves to achieve greater independence, its roles and responsibilities in the National Assembly, Regional Democratic Councils, and the prosecution of the Election Petitions, in particular, will be recognised and provided for accordingly.

The AFC believes that its core identity as the promoter of the values of Healing and Reconciliation and Constitutional Reform, must once again become the bulwark of its efforts and will renew its energies in this regard.

The Party said it also remains open to collaborate with all stakeholders who share a common desire for a unified, secure, and developed Guyana.