Dear Editor,
I am replying to a letter that was published in the Stabroek News dated December 21 under the heading ‘AFC is not dead in Region 5 as opposition claims’, written by Mr Abel Seetaram, who is an executive of that party.
It seems to me that the opposition is on the right track by saying that the AFC is falling apart in Berbice, in both Regions 5 and 6. Mr Seetaram seems to be out of touch with reality and the day-to-day operations of his government and party.
I would like to tell Mr Seetaram that the AFC is a dying duck in Guyana, and not in Berbice alone. I am saying this because it’s the truth and he and the party leaders do not want to accept the truth. The opposition is not lying about the AFC; the AFC are lying to themselves in believing that the party is alive.
Mr Seetaram mentioned an event he organised on December 17 in Bath Settlement for the party’s supporters and friends. But I am surprised at Mr Seetaram, who is a very hard worker for the AFC, to use that forum to feel all is well. Maybe the turnout was good because AFC ministers were there and the people wanted to tell them their mind about the party they once cared for.
Mr Seetaram wants us members of the AFC to feel as if the party is doing something, but we all know that they are lame ducks. I call on all to understand the fight and on my people in the AFC to continue to stand up for equal rights. The event that Mr Seetaram talks about is just continuing to pull wool over the eyes of the members and supporters of the AFC, because all is nearly gone.
The members of the AFC were very surprised when the ministers supported VAT on water and electricity. They were shocked when the ministers supported the rental of the drug bond. They were very surprised that ministers within their party are failing to meet with them. They are disappointed for not having employment under the APNU+AFC government. So the entire AFC is in a mode called operation graveyard.
I would like Mr Seetaram (for whom I have great respect because of his work within the AFC and also because he stands up for people’s rights) or any other member of the party to tell the nation the facts by answering the following questions:
When last did the AFC ministers have a party outreach in Berbice? Why did the AFC ministers support VAT on water and electricity which will pressure the poor? Why is it that the AFC stopped standing up for sugar workers? Why are AFC members not being hired and only old heads in the APNU/PNC? Where is the change? Why did the AFC accept the 50% hike in ministers’ salaries? What happened to the AFC live TV programme here in Berbice?
A lot more can be asked, but those are some critical questions. The AFC is slowly going in Berbice. The MP is doing nothing to better the AFC here. He lost his way and now has stopped listening to the people and their problems. He is a man who now has power in his hands and it has flown to his brain.
The AFC must act if they wanted us to believe that the party is alive and well. The AFC is losing Berbice and no one seems to care. Every man is for himself. I call on all the members to seek answers as to why the AFC leaders are not listening to their members. I call on all the members to seek answers at the congress of the party. Ensure that the leaders are held accountable. The AFC is slowly going and I hope it can return to a good life for all.
I do look forward to the answers.
Yours faithfully,
James Fraser
AFC Member
