Ahead of a crucial contest for leadership today, incumbent PNCR leader Robert Corbin yesterday said the greatest challenge facing the party is providing effective national leadership and he defended the “militancy” of the party under his leadership.
Incumbent PNCR leader Robert Corbin (left) and his challenger Winston Murray exchanging greetings before the start of the party’s 16th Biennial Congress yesterday. (Photo by Jules Gibson)
Addressing delegates, members and special invitees including foreign dignitaries at the opening of the party’s 16th Biennial Congress, Corbin said that the main opposition party needs the support of other political parties and civil society in a united front. “…The greatest challenge for us is not who leads the PNC but how the [party] could give effective leadership to our country in this time of crisis,” he declared, while criticising those who he claimed spent “significant sums of money in the quest for leadership” that could have been channelled into party activities. In direct reference to the elections, he reiterated that it is evidence that a rich tradition of democracy is alive and well in the party.
The common thread of Corbin’s address was “No glory, without sacrifice,” and he emphasised the need for effective and committed leadership at levels of the party. In this regard he said there is much work to be done to implement recommendations to strengthen leadership. Further, he noted that the party has demonstrated the capacity to heal and bring people aboard, adding that it would be willing to welcome back all disaffected members into its ranks. He emphasised the need for unity and said personal ambitions and vendettas should not be allowed to prevent it to move together as a group. “Sure we will have differences, sure we will have election fights, that does not mean that we should be enemies, that is the nature of democracy,” he said, while noting that campaigning should not arouse “vilification, destruction of character and indulging in folly which could only damage the total party….” He emphasised that whatever happens, both he and his main challenger Winston Murray would still be members of the party. “…This is our party and we should be working for its developments,” he said, questioning the motives of “some people” who don’t succeed in election quests and challenge the process to explain their defeat and walk away from responsibility.
He added that deficiencies should not be exposed minute-by-minute in the public but that corrections must be made internally. “I urge comrades if our party is to be respected, if our members are to hold their heads high then we must develop a code of behaviour that thinks and demonstrates that we love the party at all times and always above our personal interests,” he added.
Corbin pointed to the grave national environment in which the congress is being held, citing the effects of the global financial crisis and the recent allegations linking the government to drug kingpin Roger Khan and the murderous activities of his group here. He said the party has used all tactics at its disposal within the law to promote its causes, including its recent push for an international probe of government-Khan’s link, though many have failed to acknowledge its successes while the Bharrat Jagdeo administration has remained intransigent. He emphasised that the party has continued to be active in opposing the bad governance of the PPP/C administration, through its militancy in and out of the parliament. “Naturally, given the current harsh social and economic conditions and their impact on the quality of life of our citizens, there has been great impatience on their part for change,” he said, “Consequently, they expect the PNCR to do more and if there is no improvement it is the PNCR and more particularly its leader that becomes the subject of criticism.”
He said it was an understandable reaction since many fail to appreciate the party’s struggle is aimed at specific objectives, and would require long-term struggle by all and not just the PNCR and its supporters. He added that it is an illusion to believe that street protests alone could bring success in every case, citing shared governance as an example of one such case. He said while many believed that it could be achieved through simple negotiations with the PPP/C accompanied by agitation, it would not since the governing party is unwilling to release power unless forced by circumstances. “We must always allow constructive thought to guide us,” he said, while defending the party’s and his leadership from criticism of its lack of militancy. “Street marches and demonstrations are not the only indications of militancy and even the marches have specific objectives and goals,” he explained, adding that party leaders must not engage in raising wide and high expectations to achieve popularity. The struggle to end apartheid in South Africa took decades, he said, adding goals could not be achieved instantly. Additionally, he said raising people’s expectations is a recipe for disaster, noting that a “pyrrhic” victory would be short-lived and an obstacle to the overall cause.
Militancy
In addition to understanding the party’s actions, Corbin highlighted party founder Forbes Burnham’s call for militant but intelligent opposition during the colonial period, which warned against sensationalism. “For those who have been saying the PNC has been soft, they need be reminded that every action of ours had a specific purpose and goal,” he said, noting that the party’s street marches have continually yielded positive results, including bringing a halt to extra-judicial killings, the inquiry into the alleged involvement of former Home Minister in unlawful killings as well as the capture of Roger Khan.
Corbin said too that the party’s analysis has found that massive street protests, in the context of pending elections, were counterproductive, especially in light of the polarised voting patterns in the country. He said they facilitated the infiltration of PPP/C agent provocateurs who created chaos, leading to injury of persons of East Indian descent which the governing party used to galvanise its support base. “Whether the strategy was successful or not is not the issue,” Corbin noted, “The fact that our decision to regulate the way in which we operated on the streets was a carefully and well thought out decision was not any weakness or lack of militancy.” He added that the business community and civil society which “begged” for the party to go back to parliament in lieu of protests, have now realised they were wrong in light of the non performance of the government and the effects of escalated crime. “They have forgotten their earlier urgings and they now blame what they call ineffective opposition and lack of militancy,” he said. “What many of them really want is for the PNCR’s foot-soldiers to confront and threaten this administration for them to extract better conditions yet they neither join us nor provide material support to sustain us when we are on the streets,” he said to applause, criticising “arm-chair generals” and “internet generals” who have no practical experience, little understanding of local conditions and lack the willingness to investigate. “For many, it is safe to shelter on the internet highway with lofty ideals but without the will or courage to join us on the frontlines or even contribute in any small way to the struggle that we are waging,” he added. He noted that the party would continue to engage in street protests on its own terms and not to satisfy narrow special agendas. “Let it be clear, however, that successes will not be achieved by the PNCR supporters only in the frontlines,” he said, “Political, parties, Guyanese organisations, civil society and some of those arm chair generals must all be involved to build a might force of unity for one Guyana.”
‘I apologise’
Corbin also said that in keeping with a decision at the last congress, the party’s work in and out of the parliament has been complemented by the development of constructive activities to deal with the economic and social issues affecting citizens. He cited party outreaches, self empowerment projects and community literacy programmes. According to him, it has been a failure to properly publicise the party’s work that has contributed to “the usual criticism” that the party is doing nothing.
However, he did admit that the decisions of the last congress have not all been implemented, citing in particular decisions aimed at retooling the party, including making an orderly transition to a new corps of leadership. He had said at the last Congress that it was his aspiration to have a new team of leadership cadres identified and to hand over to them while continuing to give support. “We need to evaluate why some of things were not done,” he said, while adding, “Ultimately as leader of the party I must accept and bear full responsibility for which I apologise to our comrades who were engaged in those lofty decisions.”
Nevertheless, he expressed the hope that the congress would see vital decisions towards implementation rather than engage in activities counterproductive to the development of the party. “Unfortunately, our failure to implement those decisions to prepare the right wicket to allow the party to go forward has forced many of us to still be involved in doing what we would not be able… or had to do,” he said.
Noting predictions that it could be his last Congress address as leader, greeted with rousing shouts of “No!” Corbin paid tribute to party stalwarts who worked quietly without official rewards. He said they stood up on the frontlines and worked hard for the party, despite ridicule as well as without monetary or any other compensation, in what seemed a direct appeal to grass-root supporters.
As he made his entrance, Corbin received a frenzied welcome by supporters, largely made up of women, who lined up on the road outside Congress Place holding his posters. He was accompanied by Tassa drummers, youth cadres and a group from the hinterland, which thronged him as he made his way to the auditorium area, where chants of “Our leader! Corbin!” reached a crescendo.
In stark contrast, Winston Murray’s was a low-key entrance. He and supporters were bussed into Congress Place by Stanley Ming, who the day earlier announced that he and former members of the party’s Reform component would return to support a Murray led-party. As the vehicles moved towards the auditorium, a supporter of Corbin continuously heckled Dr Richard Van West-Charles. Murray and Van West-Charles and their supporters all stood to greet Corbin at his arrival.
‘Win with Winston’
Meanwhile, Murray supporters circulated a letter with the slogan “Win with Winston” to party members prior to the opening, since arrangements did not permit him to address the delegates before the casting of ballots. In the letter, he emphasised that it is crucial that they use their vote wisely. “I beseech you to cast your vote for change that will provide a new and bright future for all of us, and, most important, for our country,” he wrote, adding later, “Comrades, the choice is clear. You can vote to stand still, business-as-usual and more of the same. Or you can vote for change and the dawning of a new day.
In asking for their support, Murray pledged to work with them to heal the divisions within the ranks as the first step in mending the fractures in the party’s internal relations. He explained that it was a task that demands the energies of all members, supporters and well-wishers. “I humbly ask your support so that together, we can begin this exciting work of building a new tomorrow,” he declared, while saying that, “We it owe it to this generation to bury the hopelessness and despair that has engulfed our citizens but now requires us to move forward to a future of bright promise.”
He further emphasised that a party that is dynamic, strong and full of purpose and energy can only be built by collective efforts. In this regard, he said the party’s task is not simply to challenge the government on its “sorry” performance but also to construct the foundations of a new politics of participation, involvement and accountability. He added that it requires a politics of high standards, professional performance, personal conduct and an integrity in public life that is driven by sincere commitment to serve every citizen of the country. “I urge you to vote for hope, not hopelessness!” Murray said, “Vote for politics of principle, high ideals, not manoeuvre and manipulation!”
The congress is being held under the theme, “People’s Victory Through Local Democracy,” which had anticipated the running off of local government elections this year. Polls would be held today and the party would be taking decision on the results of its leadership retreat as well as on proposals such as the holding of primaries for MPs
The party is grappling with months of internal rifts going back to the last congress with Team Alexander and more recently with the election for a Georgetown Chairman which saw Volda Lawrence ousting Aubrey Norton who later alleged that the elections had been rigged.
Corbin is the same old poisoned wine who is trying to enter a new bottle(XM?)The guy has still got some gall telling the party members how to spend their money.The days of the “Foot-Soldiers”are long gone,a man has got to eat and ironicaly the party has lost it’s militancy under his leadership.
He ent got no gall
Hey Marc I agree but DON”T EVA use Carbin and XM in the same sentence again!!!… that blend is aged to perfection, can’t say the same fu he.
Which militancy????!!!! Corbin has been Jagdeo’s eye-pass and Guyana’s eye-sore.
I hope he “wins” again. Then maybe Guyanese will start looking around for real change.
incompetent ???????????????????? need support, look for those who join you in the lines with their protest signs, they abandon you, too bad.
Freespeech you are dead on the money PPP and PHENC are absolutely incompetent i am with you my brother.
“…The greatest challenge for us is not who leads the PNC but how the [party] could give effective leadership to our country in this time of crisis,”
This is the most bizarre statement from the leader of a political party. The leader of the party is the one who sets by example and a clear message, the philosophy and direction of the party. The party does not set the tone. It would be a good thing if Corbin wins the leadership of the P.N.C. especially if fraudulently. A mass exodus will result and the P.N.C. would wither away and die. A new party led by Winston Murray would the rise from ashes.
“he emphasised the need for effective and committed leadership at levels of the party.” After being the leader all these years he still sees a need for effective and committed leadership. Mr Corbin, it starts with you. Take a look in the mirror. You are a failure.
“Street marches and demonstrations are not the only indications of militancy and even the marches have specific objectives and goals,”
Corbin speech seemed to be a litany of excuses and does not point to any successes. He was wise not to call for street demonstrations because his poor leadership was unable to galvanize the numbers needed to impress the government.
“Corbin said too that the party’s analysis has found that massive street protests, in the context of pending elections, were counterproductive, especially in light of the polarised voting patterns in the country. He said they facilitated the infiltration of PPP/C agent provocateurs who created chaos, leading to injury of persons of East Indian descent which the governing party used to galvanise its support base.”
If Corbin had the control of his party he would be able to minimize these acts of violence and when they did happen he should have in the forefront condemning them and visiting and commiserating with the victims. These failures again point to his lack of leadership. For the good of Guyana I hope Corbin wins and in doing so, the fraud is so massive that even diehard supporters are shocked into action and quit the party. The end is near.
Borapork ! Do you sometimes just write because you want to write nonsense ? Check the last paragraph of your post.
Bora bai I hear you. Well said. The perks of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition would confirm what many here believe to be so – the grotesque smybiosm of the PPP and PNC.
Georgie! Have some manners! I am sure you were brought up and not dragged up. Stap runnin troo dese blog rooms, blammin open de door dem, mekkin a rude remark, an den leavin!
Take your time and articulate your position man – tuh much ah speed ain good.
Tek it easy.
Georgie: Read it slowly and you might understand my position. It’s possible to want the results but for different reasons. That’s the case in this situation.
“If Corbin had the control of his party he would be able to minimize these acts of violence and when they did happen he should have in the forefront condemning them and visiting and commiserating with the victims.”
Extracted from the first sentence last paragraph of my post. This should read “If Corbin had the control of his party he would be able to minimize these acts of violence and when they did happen he should have “been” in the forefront condemning them and visiting and commiserating with the victims.” The word “been” should be added to the original.
Gerhard: Thanks for coming to my defence. Much appreciated. Some people disregard their humble upbringings in Guyana and adopt the arrogance of their adopted home. It must be in the water supply.
Gerhard ! You wrote about manners . You are upset that I did not bow to the caustic remarks and, directly, pointed to the low level of thought by Borapork. Look, it does not take much to figure out you guys. I can destroy your position in one sentence. Listen to you. You and your kind are attacking the leader of the major opposition party, any which way but loose, to promote your own political position. Spare me the message on etiquette.
Georgie don’t presume what I meant. I referred to your manners and nothing else. Where did I say you must agree with anything?
If you want your positions to be respected then you should write likewise, that’s all. Like I said, I am sure you know better – one of the trademarks of being Guyanese is good manners…but you are certainly free to carry on as you wish.
Mr Corbin in any real democracy politicians do what is
good for their party and country. You have failed the pnc/r
and you have failed the Guyanese people at home and
abroad if you call yourself a decent and religeous man
then you should not accept the nomination for leadership
of the pnc/r you should have been man enough to
decline the offer and pass the torch to someone capable
and who got new ideas to take the party into the future
that will make the party more interesting to young people
I personally would not stay with a party if I know my chances
of elevating is n i l l……..
Robert Corbin the greatest challenge facing the PNCR is leadership, leadership that will pursue the causes and issues affecting the Guyanese people. Given that you lack the foresight and consciousness to ascertain this necessary perquisite, highlights the need for you to vacate the leadership and sail into the sunset.
Save the children of Guyana because you are irrelevant and should never have been in any leadership position. My guess is that Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham recognised that a long time ago. You could not even organise one hundred people for a protest to highlight the perilous state of the Jagdeo administration and it’s seemily relationship with a mass murder/ cocane exporter Roger Khan. You have destroyed a great party with divisive politics, do Guyana a favor get a piece of land from your friend Bharrat and resettle on a deserted area along the Soesdyke/ Linden highway.
Hey “Jaguar4u”! The significant doubt about the Corbin leadership came after the statement in parliament with regards to the superiority of PNC Economic Policies under L. F. S. Burnham. How about offering the dude a “precious mining” concession and an airport to go with (the “Executive Jet” in picture) to go into sunset.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/26/citi-jet-purchase-50-mill_n_160807.html
Surely, the cost of the plane can be afforded from the concession’s workings. And, then the Jagdeo Administration can boast about one development project in Guyana during its term in office. And, its goodbye to both. Also, since one particular individual loves to be in the skies a lot then they both can fly to anywhere in the world they wish at anytime while Guyana returns to the Burnham’s and D’Aguiar’s “Highway To Happiness”.
The current Leader of the People’s National Congress said inter alia: re: “whatever happens, both he and his main challenger Winston Murray would still be members of the party…“
Anyhow, the world knows that whether it is Linux, Windows or OS/2….
“All Your (PNC Membership) Base Are Belong To US”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksFqjI3gyAo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9oh3gqOEKU
Go PNC Go. Go Boldly At Warp Speed!
International Business – Baby – International Business!
Re: “International Business – Baby – International Business!”
I should have added “And, the Next Stop – The L. F. S. Burnham International Airport”!
“Can You Do It!!! Yes You Can. And, You Will”!
KG, things are not looking too bright in that party right now,do you see a breakaway faction heading to the AFC?
Or is this the beginning of the end of this once dominant force!!!
Witch dont only look at PHENC the PPP no better from where the majority of Guyanese are standing. Scandal after scandal, violence more violence and economy in dire straights since 96, Guyana has been in decades of recession forget global economic crises.
So dont get too excited look in the mirror first your boy Lord Farquar there aint no better.
NO GLORY WITHOUT SACRIFICE!!There is where YOU mr. Corbin should start by SETTING the EXAMPLE:- SACRIFICE your POSITION to GLORIFY your PARTY!
WELCOME back DISAFFECTED members!!!WEN YU CHASE DEM WAY>>>>DAY GON KOM BACK WEN CAR-BIN DRAP AFF;SO D CAR CAN MOVE FAST FORWARD WOTHOUT EX-CESS-BAG-GAGE!!
Mr.corbin wants to move as a group….TEAM WORK Mr.Corbin;TEAM WORK and an HONEST and CAPABLE TEAM LEADER.yOUR VERY OWN members see you as DISHONEST and INCAPABLE.(don’t blame inter-net generals)
According to news reports;Mr.Corbin you have gone against every grain of the “NATURE” of DEMOCRACY.
Mr.Corbin attacking inter-net generals!!!I happen to be one of those(59yrs)eprerienced ONLY 10yrs of Burnham (THANK GOD)but I DARN-WELL can remember what I was accustomed to before the INDIPENCENCE and long for those days to come back.Financial support to our loved ones and being afraid to visit your home-land is not enough experience.We the “internet generals”are the FRONT-LINERS who let the world know what we stand for because HOME-BASED are being INTIMIDATED and MANIPULATED. We are the VOICE
Amen Deze!!!!!!!!
We are not blinded by their biases and cannot be bribed/intimidated into submission, and are now accustomed to proper leadership and justice, in our adopted residencies.
Carby we’ve had enough of your “stability”, it has befouled us like stagnant water.With you at the helm BJ is guaranteed a next Term.
Now its time for the PPP to find a similar candidate that can bridge the divide and be a catalyst for the development of Guyana.
Then in the next election we will be certain that Guyana will be on the path to recovery, exploiting its rich potential.
Good Luck Mr. Murray!!!!
Pray, for you will really need divine intervention to win this one.
Tell them there Deze, because it appears that unto this day Corbin’s selfishness as leader has continued to blind him in detecting that the PNC was fragmenting and spinning totally out of control into a state of oblivion.
Hopefully, the results of the elections coming out of this congress will stop the madness.
Corbin said that the main opposition party needs the support of other political parties and civil society in a united front. “…The greatest challenge for us is not who leads the PNC but how the [party] could give effective leadership to our country in this time of crisis.”
On the first point he is correct. On the second point he is a proven failure and automatically disqualified himself as the one capable of providing effective leadership. His only hope right now is Bharrat Jagdeo who, in an attempt to retain power, could reach out to Corbin and ask for parliamentary help in amending the Constitution so Jagdeo can get a third term, and in exchange for Corbin’s cooperation, Jagdeo will give him the PM slot.
That would then be the icing on the cake of an entrenched and enigmatic dictatorship, because both men are dictatorial and both men have no vision, and both men are egomaniacs. It would be the uneasiest of marriages, with public showings of affections, but scratching and clawing and screaming out of the public’s view. Did someone say, “Tsunami Cometh”?
Andy, again you are right on the money. Thing is, many of us here feel that the likes of Mr. Donald Ramotar will move heaven and hell to prevent a third term for President Jagdeo. However, you also have the Jagdeo “new-blood” parliamentarians to contend with. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out Andy.
Re: “Corbin also said that in keeping with a decision at the last congress, the party’s work in and out of the parliament has been complemented by the development of constructive activities to deal with the economic and social issues affecting citizens. He cited party outreaches, self empowerment projects and community literacy programmes. According to him, it has been a failure to properly publicise the party’s work that has contributed to “the usual criticism” that the party is doing nothing….”
One simple word to describe all of the above – “balderdash”!
And, after the late great L. F. S. Burnham… Thank God For President Barack Obama.
“God Bless America”!
NO GLORY WITHOUT SACFIFICE!!! Start setting the example Mr. Corbin;SACRIFICE your POSITION to GLORIFY your party.
Having to financially support our loved ones while they live in a DEMOCRATIC STATE that is FULL of GOD GIVEN WEALTH.Not being able to live SAFELY in a country where the law enforcers DISOBEY the law.does not need to be invistigated because we already know where the BLAME LIES.
Mr.Corbin before you start attacking “internet generals”you as a BIG MAN should allow our COMMENTS (positive&negative) to SINK-IN see if you can find a MORAL in any.may-be you will make an effort to bring us back HOME to DEVELOPE/INVEST (like BURN-AM once planned>>study over-seas and return to develope your country)
Did I get the IMPRESSION that Corbie is saying that AFC and PNC/R is WAN…or is tryin Ë tryin to BLACK-CAKE dee AFC?
Re: “internet generals”
Let’s await the report of (Our-Men-On-The-Ground) Hamilton Green, Stanley Ming et al) and then we will demonstrate to Mr. Robert Corbin the kind of military schooling we received.
He “ain’t seen nothing yet”!
“All Your (PNC Membership) Base Are Belong To US” de “internet generals”!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9oh3gqOEKU
“Time For Change”!
Corbin en win this election yet??? I am waiting for funeral arrangements for this Party to be announced…
Funny! For once we’re on the same page soldier boy.
it’s already and bury, funeral is over, have fun. lol
The funny thing is everything you say about the PHENC is a direct mirror of what is going on in lord Farquar’s campe!