Dear Editor,
With regards to the front page story (SN Feb 27) on David Granger being narrowly chosen to lead the PNCR in the upcoming elections, I gave a lecture at the School of International Studies Jawaharlal Nehru University Feb 24 on Thursday morning (Wed evening Guyana time) on current political developments in Guyana and Trinidad. A student queried who I thought would lead the PNCR and PPP as Presidential candidates since elections must be held by year end. I responded that I thought former soldier Granger would be chosen by PNC delegates based on, what I thought were, behind the scenes deal makings, and indeed he has won albeit narrowly. With regards to the PPP, I responded that the choice was between the Speaker Ralph Ramkarran and the General Secretary Donald Ramotar although I noted that the poll I did had Ramkarran ahead in terms of poll preference.
I also gave my assessment of who I thought will ultimately get the nomination. I was also asked by a faculty member from the Caribbean Studies Department who I thought will win the elections. My response was the PPP will be re-elected based on NACTA’s polling last July. With Granger as the candidate, I do not know if opinion will shift. But I do know that non-PNC supporters do not have strong positive views of Mr. Granger. However, he is well regarded among hard core PNC supporters and those who don’t like Opposition Leader Robert Corbin and therefore could unite the PNC. The problem facing Granger is winning crossover voters given his past as an army officer. Mr. Granger is an intellectual and will be a tough candidate. The PPP will have to select someone who can match Granger’s and Khemraj Ramjattan’s (AFC) intellectual capabilities. Otherwise, the party could see a shrinking in its voter support.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
