Despite escalating tensions, PNC Chairman says leadership focused on ‘unity’

There is growing tension among senior members of the main opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) and while it is being played out in public spaces, the party’s Chairman Shurwayne Holder has affirmed that the leaders are focused on unifying the party ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

The PNC/R, the major constituent of the APNU coalition, is currently led by Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton.

In recent weeks, however, party Executives Roysdale Forde and Ganesh Mahipaul expressed interest in contesting for the post of leader at the party’s upcoming congress.

Tensions intensified this week when party stalwart, Amna Ally noted her disdain for Norton as leader. That prompted Holder to come to Mr. Norton’s defence, publicly criticising Ally in the process.

Asked about these tensions at a party press conference on Thursday, Holder opined that the “public banter” and leadership contests illustrate how democratic the party is. Furthermore, Holder said he and Norton are solely focused on uniting the party ahead of next year’s elections.

“Once nominated for the position of Chairman, and I intend to contest for that position, I can assure you that my position and the leader’s position, when he (Norton) is re-elected, will be to work towards unifying the party.

“It is the only way to go,” Holder said.

Norton became leader following the 22nd Biennial Congress where he was challenged for the post by Joseph Harmon and Richard Van West Charles. Forde had openly supported Harmon at the time.

New leadership positions will be determined at the party’s 23rd Biennial Congress, which is likely to be held by the end of August 2024.

Holder believes there will be at least 1,000 delegates at that congress. He claimed that persons who walked away from the party are now returning.