– says presidential candidacy not off limits
Once nominated, Dr Richard Van West-Charles intends to contest for the leadership of the main opposition PNCR.
Van West-Charles, a former health minister in the PNC government and the son-in-law of the late President Forbes Burnham, recently took an early retirement from PAHO/WHO, where he worked for 19 years.
In the run up to the party’s upcoming biennial congress, he said his campaign is now focused on encouraging party members to renew their membership, which would precede a dialogue with them on the issues that they believe need to be addressed to improve the party in its preparations to contest the 2011 elections. As part of his ‘Rebuild Guyana’ platform, he is proposing term limits for the party leader and a rotation for the membership of the party’s Central Executive. Whether or not he is not elected, he said, there are ideas that the party should examine.
According to Van West-Charles, over the past five years there has been a “weakening” of the party, evident by its performance at the last general elections. Further, he said the party also has to treat with the question of how as an organisation it represents the issues of the people, regionally and nationally. “I am not convinced that we are doing as effective a job as I think we could do as a political opposition,” he said.
He noted that there are problems in the area of governance at the national level. But he said in order for the party to speak effectively on national governance, its internal governance must be of the highest level. “So, we must be prepared to address our own internal issues and if we can do that and communicate it internally and externally, that we have changed and look at those issues we need to address, we then would be able to communicate to the general public that we know what we are talking about,” he added.
During the last biennial congress, Van West-Charles had quietly supported Vincent Alexander’s campaign for leadership. He said the fact that anyone could contest for any position within the party is healthy, strengthening its internal democracy. However, he emphasised the need for the election process to be fair, just and transparent to the membership and to the public. “Free and fair polls are one of the critical issues and you can’t go to the [electorate] with question marks about your own internal process,” he added.
In the event that he is voted in as party leader, Van West-Charles also said he does not think he is disqualified from contesting for the presidency at general elections. While Article 90 (1) (b) of the Constitution stipulates that a person must have been continuously residing in Guyana for a period of seven years immediately before the nomination date for the election, in order to qualify as a presidential candidate.
Van West-Charles said he did not think it is applicable to him. Article 90 (4) specifically says that in determining continuity of residence, absence from Guyana to seek medical help, study at university or an institution of higher learning for more than four years and work for the government should be disregarded. He, however, explained that he was an international civil servant and at every place he worked since his recruitment by the UN, his place of residence has always been Guyana. Additionally, he noted that under UN staff rules, “home leave” is sponsored by the agency, which in part has allowed him and his family to return. In cases where it was not applicable, he said he covered the expenses himself.
Van West-Charles also cautioned against losing focus on what it takes to ensure that there is a government that is going to focus on the development of all the people and the party’s role in this process.
Growth
On how he would propose to return former party stalwarts to the fold as well as attract new membership, he said the PNCR has to send a message that everyone is welcome. “We are going to have differences and we need to be able to dialogue the differences, so you create that environment and set rules for how you are going to deal with difference and not allow it to fester,” he said. Additionally, he emphasised that room needs to be made for youth, in order to ensure the party’s growth. His proposal for term limits for the party leader as well as for a rotating Central Executive is part of an initiative to recruit young people into the process. “We are a country of young and we want them to be engaged in the process so they have a voice that is not only there but meaningful, in terms of policy and the direction of the party.”
Despite his extended stay overseas, he said he has continued to monitor national developments very closely. He added that he also maintained contact with the party leaders — including late former president Desmond Hoyte and Robert Corbin — as well as the party membership. However, he stressed that “no one person” could save the party. He said it would require a collaborative effort, since an organisation requires its membership. “Very critical in the process, is the empowerment of the membership in all of the processes of the party,” he said, “It isn’t about power for Richard Van West-Charles, it is how we ensure the empowerment of the people.”
He said he is in favour of building a participatory democracy, at party level and at a national level. “I feel our citizens need to be empowered so we have a say at every level of governance,” he explained, adding that there is need to set the framework by which people could participate in the different processes in a very meaningful way. A crucial element to this process is information, he said, to ensure that the people are informed in order to participate in the process.
Nearly a year ago, he had told Stabroek News that the PNCR needed a more dynamic system of relating to community issues. Explaining how the party would achieve this, he said the starting point is strengthening its presence and building partnerships with communities, with a developmental focus. In this regard, he said issues such as education and health could be addressed while specific groups like the poor, the elderly or women could be targeted. For example, he said no one speaks forcibly about poverty in the country, leaving the faces hidden and voices unheard. “As an opposition party you have got to talk about the development of the people,” he said, noting that it must have a programme or plan for the development of the country. “It is not about opposing for opposing sake; an opposition has to be solution-oriented and looking at the issues that affect the daily lives of the people.”
Power sharing
Asked whether he is in favour of power sharing, he explained that he is not in favour of an executive arrangement where political parties simply divide ministries between them. He is, however, in support of a bottom-up approach, explaining that where there is need to implement a programme that would affect the lives of people, the civic, religious and political organizations would have to find space to come together to participate. “Power sharing has to start from the bottom and this is very critical to local government,” he said, pointing out that the local government system has to be revamped in such a way that the people who live in a geographic space would unite despite their political affiliations to focus on developmental issues. “…you don’t want a repeat of what happens at central government… once you begin to move from the bottom up, you will see power sharing that would eventually extend to national issues that you have to look at,” he added.
Van West-Charles noted that although some parties are represented on state boards, the citizenry remains shut out of the process. There might be need for a reshaping of the constitution to ensure there is good participation at both parliamentary and local levels, he said, while expressing scepticism about executive power sharing. “That takes the people out of the process and it is empowerment that becomes critical for a participatory democracy,” he said.
He added that the problem of race and ethnic exclusion could also be addressed in this context. He said when the issues are addressed from the top; the problems still remain at the bottom. There is need to understand the insecurities of the different groups on the ground, he explained, and to ensure a dialogue on the process that needs to be put in place to address the respective concerns.
Mr Corbin,I think you should just retire now,your health is not what it used to be,bow out of this race,and give someone else a shot at the title!!!
WHAT? AND LOOSE ALL THOSE PERKS. NOT A CHANCE.
where van west charles been with all his ideas, dis man is all about power
THERE GOES GUYANA AGAIN, ANOTHER BURNHAM,
Not that Jagdeo is any Good.I think he worst.
Le we get some new blood.
The first order of business for Dr. Richard Van-West Charles would be:
1. The establishment of the L. F. S. Burnham and Janet Jagan Memorial Hospitals.
2. The establishment of the L. F. S. Burnham International Airport.
3. The nomination of an Information Technology (IT) Czar for the People’s National Congress.
4. The Restoration of all the branches of the Discipline Services (Guyana Defense Force (GDF), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana National Service (GNS), the Guyana People’s Militia (GPM)….) in Guyana to their old selves.
5. Nationalization of the bauxite industries in Guyana.
6. Closer political, economic, military, scientific…. collaboration with the United States of America.
And, the list continues……
From Burnham To Obama!
Now, “All Your (Membership) Base Are Belong To US”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksFqjI3gyAo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9oh3gqOEKU
“Jobs-Baby-Jobs”!
Let’s Do It – Again!
BTW, “HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY” to all mothers reading these comments!
Can You Do It…. Yes You Can!
Kaieteur,
Please stop trying to mislead people by putting Obama’s name next to Burnham’s name in you blogs. These two men are of totally different caliber.
Obama won the 08 election because the majority saw him as a fair, just and honorable man; Burnham was the opposite.
Have a good Sunday afternoon.
Its about time. I’ve said it before “Guyana needs a youth train”. Now Charles has said it, he said “Additionally, he emphasised that room needs to be made for youth, in order to ensure the party’s growth. His proposal for term limits for the party leader as well as for a rotating Central Executive is part of an initiative to recruit young people into the process. “We are a country of young and we want them to be engaged in the process so they have a voice that is not only there but meaningful, in terms of policy and the direction of the party.”
The last time I spoke with him, this is what was spoken.
There needs to be fundemental change across the board within both parties, about the way in which business is conducted. Folks from all walks of life should be consulted about their expections of their party (and who they vote to represent them at local levels), and that the party will be held accountable.
Folks need to stop being scared about outing their leaders if they mess up and refuse to see the big picture “THAT THEY ARE INEFFECTIVE” as the opposition. There is wind blowing and it is getting stronger.
If people cannot sense that the time is now, and upon us, to seize this opportunity for drastic change and a chance to draft and utilize the crop of young minds that we have going to waste, then as sad as it may sound, we will continue to wallow in the waste which is Guyana.
Rise up Guyanese, stop critizing and offer constructive solutions and help to folks that want to help, Charles and whoever that decides to return to Guyana. Remember in these times, one party cannot do it all. The collectives of all its people will.
“RodRick”! One thing that you should know is that both of these gentlemen about whom we are comparing were the recipient of my family’s and my vote and I was fortunate to have met the late L. F. S. Burnham personally; so, consider the fact that both you and I have not met Jesus Christ (except in the spiritual plain) and President Barack Obama in person and yet you want to believe in them.
Therefore, I would trust my judgment to experience and deeds and not on things yet to be seen. But, understand this, Jesus Christ and L. F. S. Burnham were two individuals; so, what about the work of their disciples and followers. And, in the context of the present world financial and economic conditions you can follow whomever ideology you wish to follow.
I will leave you with four words; and, those four words are – “National Service” and “Victory Garden”!
Cool!
RodRick, DID YOU KNOW Forbes Burnham? Justify your argument of him being the opposite of “a fair, just and honorable man?”
Supererro,
I’ve personally been in the presence of Burnham, twice. The first time was during a post election period; Burnham and his henchmen came to my school to share exercise books with his face printed on it. I guess it was part of his campaigning but no matter, the elections were rigged anyways.
The second time was at an opening ceremony of a new school…
A side from all of that, I didn’t have to meet FatBai to know his evil ways; I was living, breathing, seeing and hearing all the ills of him and his regime.
I’m sure quite a few on this blog site cam relate to these claims.
Rodick please go back and study you history…..Guyana under the late Burnham was the most educated Caricom nation. Guyana gave education to the rest of the Caribbean. People came from these Breadfruit Republic to go to places like the Institute, National Service, Nursing, I went to school with Blacks for a far as South Africa and as near as St. Vincent. Gust where? GTI.
Obama is studying the works of pass leaders and he is putting it together. Obama is now preaching National Service…..Our Government is saying to NS….Burnham was a head of his time but stumble on the up. I mean he stump his toe and got angry with everybody.
However, you do a check and you will see the quality of education most Guyaneas between the ages of forty five and fifty five have, and also examin the quality, status, and impack these Guyanese have in the world today and the positions they hold around the world. That the Burnham era.
….education is the foundation for nation building and we all had it back then. Yes there was misfits, corruption, and crime but not at this hight before my eyes.
I frying mi plantain and ducking it in mi peper suce and tomato ketchup licking mi finger and enjoying mi tilapa as the Obama dust settle.
A work to the wise “Careful how you knock the dead the dead he may come around to cause you sleepless nights or haunt you while at home”
Mr Charles can be in the party but not as leader right now
Why not ?, it not charles who is your pick Shelly ?.
can you elaborate more shelly?????
If not now how long from now Shelly Street ???????.
Should be happy the more the merry….the PNC-R is toast to the AFC and the PPP/C should trow the towel in and welcome a bread of leadership
Good luck
The words of the late great Robert Nestor Marley those who fight and run away live to fight another day,we have a power struggle in the pnc civic only time will tell
A waste of time for Van West East No Direction Charles to think he can win anything in Guyana especially after his failure as Health Minister in the failed PNC party that destroyed Guyana. His nomination to that job in the failed pass was all because of him being the son in law of the failed dictator Burnham, not because of talent or knowledge, now he thinks that he can go to GT and fool people again?
I coming back home fuh start my party this month end too. It’s the All Peoples of Guyana Party (APG) better known as the DOUGLA party. Watch out fuh me.
and what about the failed ppp who is in office now.
Mackydog, no need to start another party. we already know you are associated with one. and by the way, Burnham is not the only failed dictator.
we do not necessarily have to support Charles, but we can at least give him a chance. there is a shortage of proper leaders in Guyana
mackypuppy you need to stop this race thing it will get you nowhere, dougla,indo,afro,porto,bucko,chino,forgeto
about all them names and concentrate on one (1) word
G U Y A N E S E ……
roof roof
We already have one particular “DOUGLA” in de world to focus on right now; and, he is President Barack Obama; so, later for you.
If the PNC ever plan on winning an election in Guyana again, they have to demonstrate that they are clean from all the filth of the old PNC.
Amen-ra
Happy Mother’s Day
Re: “If the PNC ever plan on winning an election in Guyana again…”
There is no “ifs” here. The People’s National Congress (PNC) will win the next General Elections in Guyana.
With Hydro-Power, Aluminum Smelter, the Highway To Brazil, new Airports, Oil Production, Deep Water Harbor, increased Food Production and Security…..
It’s “Drill-Baby-Drill”; and, “Jobs-Baby-Jobs”!
The mere mention of ‘dougla party’ tells me you are trying to wag the dog. Cut the crap!
Rodrick i’m not a mother i’m a father, and happy mother’s day to you.
Kaieteur,
If those fantasies are what keeps you ticking then I wouldn’t say anything further to pop your bubble.
I guess one can’t expect any less from an old school PNC member. By the way, does you dream include PNC style food hampers lines, black clothes police, country bann, rigged elections, Swiss bank accounts for government members, ect???????????
Vanwest-charles have some good ideas, so let’s see where this will play out with the masses, go vanwest.
I do agree with you, I will like to see Mr Winston Murray
heading the party in 2011 and Dr Van West Charles as his
runing mate.
Could you share some of his ideas with us…..please?
amen, weren’t his ideas part of the Burnham reign.what is one of them…to rigg elections.
gtbeat stop being foolish, it was stated in the article, duuh.
witch dr burnham dead 25yrs ago, so stop your nonsense, and deal with the issue at hand, it’s now 2009.
Good move however, I think these older folks should step aside and give young, vibriant individuals a chance. They can act as advisors.
Van West-Charles should have had his early retirement from PAHO/WHO segue into a permanent one. What will he bring to the PNCR – this would be an exchange of equals: one Corbin for one Van West Charles and the sum total is a fat nought.
So how about you running for the post, since he’s a naught, can you do better.
Amen, this is not about me. Charles threw his hat in the ring so he is subject to my opinion. Don’t get it twisted here and let’s not get personal.
Welcome back Comrade Charles.You are aware of the Crime Situation,Drugs,Guns,Unemployment,Poor Living Standards,Bribery and Corruption,and Money Laundering,just to mention a few.Tell your members and supporters,what action you intend to take,to solve these problems facing the citizens.What is the latest on Mr Corbin?.We are hopeful that you will do your very best for the Guyanese people,not only as the P.N.C.Leader,but the future President.
he was aware of that since in the seventies!!